Latter-day Saints Join Interfaith Gathering During Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to France

METZ, France — Religious leaders and representatives of different faith communities gathered in Metz on Monday, September 28, during the final day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France. Among them was a local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting an ongoing friendship between Latter-day Saints and Catholics in the region.

Michael Ulrich, president of the Nancy France Stake, represented the Church at the interreligious gathering at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre.

For Latter-day Saints, reaching out to people of other faiths reflects their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings to love God and their neighbors, serve others and seek peace.

President Ulrich noted, “it is a wonderful experience to gather with our brothers and sisters and sense a common conviction that Christ is the answer to building peace and becoming better neighbors.”

President Ulrich’s participation grew from an ongoing friendship with Archbishop Philippe Ballot of Metz. The two religious leaders first met in November 2024 and have remained in contact since, building a relationship of mutual respect and dialogue.

“In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV said that ‘the greatness of a civilization is not measured by material success, but by how it cares for every human being.’ His words echo our belief that we are all children of God and our responsibility as disciples of Jesus Christ to care for one another,” said President Ulrich.

Pope Leo XIV visited France from September 25–28 under the motto “That the world may have life.” His final day in Metz included an interreligious meeting, a gathering focused on peace and unity in Europe, and Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, including cooperation in humanitarian relief and other areas of shared concern. Following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the First Presidency expressed appreciation for this relationship and its hope for further opportunities to work together in caring for those in need.

Factual reference for event details: Vatican programme, Apostolic Journey to France, 25–28 September 2026.