Latter-day Saint Leader Attended Interfaith Papal Meeting
Michael Ulrich joined religious leaders during Pope Leo XIV's recent trip to France.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints
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A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints representative, Michael Ulrich, attended an interfaith gathering during the visit of Pope Leo XIV to France. The meeting focused on promoting peace and unity across Europe.
Why it matters
The meeting highlights ongoing efforts to build interreligious connections between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other major faith traditions. It reflects a growing emphasis on collaborative dialogue between leaders in the region.
Michael Ulrich, president of the Nancy France Stake, participated in the interreligious session held during the final day of the papal visit.
The players
Michael Ulrich
He is the president of the Nancy France Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pope Leo XIV
He is the head of the Catholic Church who recently conducted a pastoral visit to France.
Archbishop Philippe Ballot
He is the Archbishop of Metz who has maintained a professional relationship with Latter-day Saint leadership.
The details
Michael Ulrich attended the event due to his established relationship with Archbishop Philippe Ballot of Metz, whom he first met in November 2024. The gathering was part of the Pope's four-day itinerary in France, which also included a Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
Timeline
November 2024: Michael Ulrich and Archbishop Philippe Ballot first met.
September 25, 2026: Pope Leo XIV began his visit to France.
September 28, 2026: The interfaith meeting occurred on the final day of the papal visit.
Roadmap
This collaborative engagement follows the pattern of regular dialogue established by the 2024 initial meeting between Michael Ulrich and Archbishop Philippe Ballot. It reflects a wider trend of local religious leaders fostering interfaith cooperation across European borders.
The involvement of local church leadership in such high-profile interfaith dialogues may influence future community outreach programs and ecumenical gatherings in the region. Residents can expect to see continued efforts toward cooperation between different local religious organizations.
The takeaway
The meeting serves as a tangible example of how local religious leaders can bridge institutional gaps through sustained personal relationships. Building these connections at the local level remains a critical strategy for promoting broader social cohesion and peace.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving relationship between the faith and other religious traditions, visit the Latter-Day Saints section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 4.
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