Pope Leo Praises Europe’s Democracy, Diverging Once Again From Trump, tell me about this news in (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/28/world/europe/pope-leo-trump-democracy-europe.html)

The reporting on Pope Leo XIV’s September 28, 2026 visit to France centers on his speech delivered in Metzthe home of Robert Schuman, one of the founding architects of the European project.

During the visit, Pope Leo praised the European Union’s model of democratic integration, multilateral cooperation, and shared institutional values. He emphasized that democracy, unity, and fundamental freedoms require continuous moral commitment and active dialogue, warning against divisive nationalism, power accumulation, and authoritarian impulses.

This stance placed the pontiff in renewed contrast with former President Donald Trump, who has frequently championed an “America First” unilateral posture, expressed skepticism toward European and global institutions, and criticized traditional multilateral alliances. By invoking Europe’s post-war vision of tearing down borders and prioritizing the common good over pure nationalism, Pope Leo offered a distinct defense of collective democratic governance and international cooperation.