Pope Leo Celebrates Mass in Metz Cathedral
At the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, Pope Leo celebrated Mass on the final day of his Apostolic Journey to France, marking a significant moment before his departure back to Rome. His homily emphasized the importance…
At the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, Pope Leo celebrated Mass on the final day of his Apostolic Journey to France, marking a significant moment before his departure back to Rome. His homily emphasized the importance of choosing forgiveness and mercy over revenge and violence, portraying these choices not as signs of weakness but as acts of strength.
This last public engagement before heading to the airport included a gathering where Pope Leo greeted crowds outside the Cathedral. The Cathedral itself, with a construction history that began in 1120 and culminated three centuries later, stands as a significant landmark in the region.
During the Mass, Pope Leo focused on entrusting both the diocesan community of Metz and the entirety of the world to the Lord. He highlighted the Moselle region, where Metz is situated and which borders Luxembourg and Germany, as having historical significance as a crossroads for various peoples, with a history marked by suffering due to its geographical position on Europe’s frontier.
Pope Leo’s reflections drew upon imagery from the Prophet Isaiah, using three symbols to represent the Kingdom of God: the desert, the garden, and the house. He explained how the desert symbolizes the establishment of justice through sobriety and silence, urging listeners to appreciate simplicity and what is essential. In contrast, the garden represents beauty and the flourishing that arises from a righteous life, while the house, as a place of peace, reflects the effort required from individuals in building harmonious communities, where charity and love play crucial roles.
The Pope spoke to the contemporary world, acknowledging the scars of violence and manipulation that permeate society. He urged a transformation of these 'deserts' into oases through acts of forgiveness and magnanimity, posing questions about the consequences of vengeance and retaliation while emphasizing the strength found in letting go of such destructive attitudes.
Addressing the people in Metz, who are all too familiar with the effects of past conflicts, he asserted that true strength lies in forgiveness rather than in seeking revenge. The path toward healing and peace involves breaking cycles of resentment and committing to love and trust, irrespective of the circumstances. He posited that true justice and peace necessitate both a personal and communal journey toward conversion that respects human dignity.
Pope Leo also drew upon the teachings of St. Augustine, who defined peace as a communion among people that brings joy, grounded in the recognition of each person's unique dignity. This foundation of values has historically supported the development of Europe, enriched by Christian monastic teachings that emphasize individual freedom and welcoming the stranger.
The Cathedral of St. Stephen was presented as a living example of these principles, symbolizing perseverance and faithfulness. The Pope remarked that the Cathedral serves as a reminder that God’s light unites different histories and cultures, presenting a mosaic of peace that is crucial in contemporary times marked by division.
Furthermore, he commented on the Cathedral's stained-glass windows, which cover 6,500 square meters and house the largest collection of Gothic stained glass in Europe. He suggested that these works are akin to 'books' that prompt reflection on beautiful and heroic stories that ought to inspire generosity and courageous witness in the present.
In concluding his homily, Pope Leo entrusted the community in Metz, which “today more than ever is called to be a beacon of hope for the country, for Europe and for the world,” to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the patron saints of France.
