Pope Leo XIV Calls on Lawmakers to Defend Europe’s Judeo-Christian Roots so the Church’s Voice Can Be Heard

On December 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the Group of European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) of the European Parliament—one of the most influential conservative voting blocs within the European Union. These are not clergy or church officials; they are elected lawmakers who debate, vote, draft legislation, and shape public policy for hundreds of millions of Europeans. In his address, the Pope urged them to protect and affirm Europe’s “Judeo-Christian identity” for the good of society and to ensure that the voice of the church continues to guide future generations.

Although this meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Europe’s conservative politicians occurred in the Vatican and within a Catholic context, this is part of the same movement we see among Christian nationalists in the United States. Both parties are being driven by the same belief that government should protect, preserve, and promote a religious identity in the public life of the nation. The Holy See Press Office published the Pope’s message, which was a political directive to legislators:

• “First, I would like to thank you for your work in serving not only those you represent in the European Parliament but all the people in your communities. In fact, to hold any high office within society comes with the responsibility to advance the common good.” [1]

• “European identity can only be understood and promoted in reference to its Judeo-Christian roots.” [1]

• “Everyone is a beneficiary of the contribution that the members of the Christian communities have made and continue to make for the good of European society.” [1]

• “We need only call to mind some of the important developments in Western civilization, especially the cultural treasures of its towering cathedrals, sublime art and music, and advances in science, not to mention the growth and spread of the universities. These developments create an intrinsic link between Christianity and European history, a history which should be cherished and celebrated.” [1]

• “To ensure that the voice of the Church, not least through her social doctrine, continues to be heard, is not about the restoration of a past epoch, but of guaranteeing that key resources for future cooperation and integration are not lost.” [1]

• “My prayer is that you will play your own part in engaging positively in this important dialogue, not only for the sake of the people of Europe, but of our entire human family.” [1]

The Pope’s message is basically encouraging politicians to shape their laws around religious ideas. By telling government leaders to protect Europe’s Christian identity for the “entire human family,” Pope Leo is promoting the idea that church and state should work hand in hand. This is precisely what Christian nationalists in the United States are trying to do—getting pastors, churches, and lawmakers to work together to pass laws based on Christian beliefs and traditions.

The message coming from the Vatican is that the state must step in and protect Christian values if society is to endure. Rome is actively working to see its teachings once again become the foundation of Western civilization, and lawmakers are being told to uphold church doctrines through civil legislation. This growing cooperation between church and state is exactly what God said would take place in the last days—and we are watching it unfold before our very eyes.

“The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment-keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith” (Great Controversy, p. 607).

“When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result” (Great Controversy, p. 445).

Sources

[1] https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/12/10/251210a.html