🇻🇦🇫🇷⚡️- Despite initially refusing to meet the Pope besides the arrival meeting at the Elysée, Emmanuel Macron has made last minute changes earlier this morning to assist the Pope in Metz during his last day in France.

Emmanuel Macron sat besides Pope Leo during his speech on European unity earlier today and he is currently in the Saint-Etienne Cathedral of Metz as the final mass is about to begin. Emmanuel Macron spoke to Pope Leo privately today and will do so again before his departure from France. According to sources close to the French president, his initial conversation at the Elysée on peace, AI and Lebanon motivated Emmanuel Macron to further discuss with the Holy Father.

Note: Metz is in Moselle, one of the three French departments where the "Concordat" applies, meaning the French law on secularism does not technically apply here. It is likely why Macron allows himself to be more involved politically in the Pope's tour here.