Don’t despair about our politicians

Pope Leo XIV addressed the importance of political integrity and peace during a visit to Metz, France. Speaking at a UNESCO gathering, the pope delivered an address titled "To the Roots of Europe, for Peace and Unity."

The pope drew inspiration from the founders of the European Union, specifically Robert Schuman, Alcide De Gasperi, and Konrad Adenauer. He described these men as significant intellectual and political figures in post-war Europe.

The remarks come amid global data from IPSOS showing low public trust in politicians, who ranked last at 15 percent in a trustworthiness survey. The pope suggested that despite these trends, people in public office can still be honest, noble, and holy.