Pope Leo XIV Holds Private Meeting with President Macron before the Farewell Ceremony and Traveling back to Rome after a Successful Journey to France - VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV completed a successful fifth apostolic journey as he departs France.

Having bid farewell to President Emmanuel Macron at Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport, Pope Leo XIV boarded an Air France Airbus A321 and took off at 7:33 p.m., bound for Rome-Fiumicino where he is expected to land around 9:20 p.m. Mid-flight, the Pontiff will hold his traditional airborne press conference to field questions from the 80 press members traveling with him.

Pope Leo XIV's 1,075-kilometer flight from Metz to Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes. The in-flight press conference offers a recap of the American Pope's fifth apostolic journey. Upon landing, the Pontiff will head straight to the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, foregoing his usual Monday evening visit to Castel Gandolfo.

Farewell Ceremony with Emmanuel Macron French President Emmanuel Macron met the Pope at Metz airport. Following live-televised remarks on the striking beauty of Metz's Gothic cathedral, the two leaders held an unannounced 30-minute private meeting inside the airport terminal, slightly delaying takeoff. The formal farewell ceremony followed, complete with national hymns, military honors, and delegation greetings. President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron then escorted the Pontiff to the airstairs for a warm final goodbye.

Highlights from Day Four in Metz The final leg of the Holy Father's visit focused on Metz—a historical border city 55 kilometers from Luxembourg that permanently returned to French sovereignty in 1945 following centuries of conflict. His itinerary included three key engagements:

• Interreligious Gathering: Meeting faith leaders at the Robert Schuman Congress Centre, Leo XIV condemned using God's name to justify violence, emphasizing that " the greatness of a civilization is not measured by its material successes, but by the way in which it surrounds, protects and elevates the human person ."

• Tribute to Robert Schuman: Speaking at the event " At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity " at the congress centre, the Pope denounced the " unnecessary massacre " happening daily, urging world leaders toward " courage in negotiation " and " creative efforts for world peace ".

• Mass at Saint Stephen's Cathedral: Celebrating Mass inside Metz's Gothic cathedral, the Pontiff highlighted how monasticism and the Rule of the Canons of Saint Chrodegang established core societal pillars—including " the sacred and inviolable nature of human life ," poor relief, and hospitality toward migrants. He stressed that Europe's strength stems from harmonious diversity rather than uniformity. In off-the-cuff closing remarks, he urged the faithful to keep " walking together, united in Holy Mother Church, for the glory of God and in service to his Kingdom of love, justice, and peace ."