Andorra’s two co-princes meet in Metz during Leo XIV’s visit
Macron personally welcomes Josep-Lluís Serrano, who attends the pontiff’s address on Europe’s roots, peace and unity
The Episcopal Co-Prince, Josep-Lluís Serrano, attended Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Metz on Monday, following an invitation from the President of the French Republic and Co-Prince of Andorra, Emmanuel Macron. The occasion provided an opportunity for a brief meeting between the Principality’s two heads of state.
According to a statement from the Episcopal Co-Prince’s office, Macron personally welcomed Serrano upon his arrival at the Metz Congress Centre, where the two held a brief exchange. The statement does not specify what they discussed.
At the venue, the Episcopal Co-Prince attended the pontiff’s address entitled “Aux racines de l’Europe, pour la paix et l’unité” —“At the Roots of Europe, for Peace and Unity”—, delivered as part of his apostolic journey to France.
Mass at Metz Cathedral
In the afternoon, Serrano joined the bishops of France in concelebrating Mass presided over by Leo XIV at Saint-Étienne Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Stephen, in Metz.
The Vicar General, Antoni Elvira, and Andorra’s Ambassador to France, Esther Rabassa, also attended the day’s events.
French President and Co-Prince of Andorra Emmanuel Macron has called for a more independent European Union capable of safeguarding peace, protecting democracy and preserving its social model.
Speaking in Metz before Pope Leo XIV, he urged greater production, innovation and investment in Europe, highlighting security and technological autonomy as priorities.
Macron warned against disinformation and foreign interference that undermine public debate, linking support for Ukraine to the defence of international law. He also advocated an EU that strengthens nations’ ability to act while respecting their autonomy, rejecting divisive nationalism.
The French leader reaffirmed the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and called for artificial intelligence that serves human dignity, alongside stronger protection for young people against practices that foster dependency.