Pope Leo XIV Arrives in France for Four-Day Apostolic Journey
- Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on September 25, 2026, launching a four-day apostolic journey that includes stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz.
- Pope Leo touched down at Paris Orly International Airport on September 25, 2026, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron formally welcomed him.
- The papal visit comes as the officially secular nation experiences an influx of new baptisms.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on September 25, 2026, launching a four-day apostolic journey that includes stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. The trip marks the first formal papal visit to the nation since Pope Benedict XVI traveled there in September 2008.
Arrival in Paris and Official Meetings
Pope Leo touched down at Paris Orly International Airport on September 25, 2026, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron formally welcomed him. Two local children presented flowers before the pontiff received military honors and held a private conversation with President Macron. During the flight from Rome, the Pope told reporters he was traveling as a follower of Jesus Christ to bring peace. His packed first day in the capital also included a visit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, headquarters, a prayer vigil with 80,000 young people at the national stadium, and a stop at Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Surge in Adult Baptisms and Clergy Abuse Accountability
The papal visit comes as the officially secular nation experiences an influx of new baptisms. The Conference of Bishops of France reports that more than 21,000 adults have joined the Church so far this year, driven largely by individuals aged 18 to 25. Retired French Bishop Marc Stenger told Reuters that the visit has sparked a real tidal wave of interest among French Catholics seeking guidance in uncertain times. This religious renewal unfolds against the backdrop of a 2021 report revealing that roughly 330,000 French children had been abused by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades, with the Church previously showing deep indifference to victims. Bishop Stenger acknowledged that these scandals have deeply wounded the Church and damaged its credibility. In an unusual move, the Vatican press office announced that Pope Leo will meet privately in Lourdes with seven of those abuse survivors as part of a message of healing and vulnerability.
Artificial Intelligence and End-of-Life Legislation
Throughout his 15 scheduled speeches, Pope Leo is expected to address artificial intelligence, migrant protection, and human dignity. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the Pope would likely reiterate his May manifesto warnings and call for an industry slowdown. This stance places the pontiff at odds with U.S. President Trump, who has encouraged AI innovation to maintain a competitive edge over China. The tour also addresses sensitive national policies. France recently passed legislation allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication and enshrined abortion as a constitutional right in 2024.
Mass at Place de la Concorde and Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Organizers for the Pope’s Saturday mass at Paris’ Place de la Concorde are expecting up to 1 million attendees, prompting them to lengthen the security perimeter along the Champs-Élysées where the Popemobile will travel, according to The Associated Press. On Sunday, Pope Leo will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a major pilgrimage destination for the sick. The trip concludes in Metz on September 28, 2026.