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Pope Leo XIV on apostolic visit to France

The Pope begins a four-day journey in France, visiting Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, to address crucial issues such as artificial intelligence and migrant acceptance.

26 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Pope Leo XIV on apostolic visit to France — Photo: Dipartimento della Protezione Civile · Flickr · BY

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in France for his fifth apostolic journey, landing in Paris on a flight from Ita Airways. This trip will last four days, during which the Pontiff will also visit Lourdes and Metz.

On his first day in Paris, the Pope met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée and participated in a prayer vigil at Stade de France, attended by around 80,000 young people. This event marked an important sign of the growing religiosity among young Catholics in France.

The Pope will address various topics during his visit, including artificial intelligence, migrant acceptance, and issues related to abuses in the Church. It is expected that during his stay in France, Leo XIV will deliver a message of peace.

Archive photo: Pope Leo XIV on apostolic visit to France — Archive photoPhoto: http://www.presidencia.gob.ec/ · Flickr · PDM

In just four years, the number of baptisms in France has significantly increased, rising from just over 100,000 in 2020 to over 175,000 in 2024. This growing interest is attributed to young and non-practicing adults approaching Christianity.

The itinerary of the visit also includes meetings with institutions such as UNESCO, reflecting the Pope's intent to strengthen the bond between the Church and Europe. Tomorrow, Leo XIV will celebrate Mass at Place de la Concorde.

The visit will conclude on Sunday, September 28, after addressing themes such as art, listening to the most vulnerable, and a renewed commitment of the Church to European society.

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