Pope Leo XIV urged Europe to draw upon its Christian heritage as it confronts modern challenges and works toward greater peace and unity.

Speaking at a meeting on “The Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity,” the Holy Father said Europe should be understood not merely by geography, but through the history, culture, and traditions that have shaped its civilization.

Among those influences, Pope Leo pointed to St. Benedict and the monastic tradition. Monastic communities played an important role in European life through education, care for the poor, sick, and elderly, as well as contributions to medicine, science, architecture, law, and civic development. Christianity, the Pope explained, is therefore inseparable from Europe’s history.

That inheritance also influenced figures such as Robert Schuman and Alcide De Gasperi, who helped advance European cooperation following World War II. Their vision was grounded in principles including human dignity, personal responsibility, justice, charity, respect for law, and the dignity of work.

Pope Leo said these values remain essential as Europe responds to present challenges. Addressing migration, he emphasized the need both to welcome migrants and to help them integrate into their communities. He also stressed religious freedom, cooperation between Church and state, respect for international law, and dialogue among nations.

Europe’s postwar experience, the Holy Father noted, has shown that countries with different interests can resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than conflict.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo turned to young people, encouraging them to help shape Europe’s future. He called on them to reject violence, defend human dignity from conception to natural death, build families, pursue the common good, and consider political engagement.

By remaining connected to its heritage, the Pope said, Europe can continue working toward peace, unity, and reconciliation.