Pope Leo Visits France
Pope Leo XIV Begins Four-Day State Visit to France Focusing on Peace and Secularism
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Key Points
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More than a million people were expected to turn out during the visit, and registrations for major events in Paris, Lourdes and Metz reportedly filled within days. The Apostolic Nuncio also said polls showed more than 80% of French people viewed Pope Leo favourably.
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The Paris programme includes a celebration of vespers at the reopened Notre-Dame cathedral and a large youth vigil at the Paris stadium, in addition to the UNESCO address.
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The visit is described as the first official state visit by a pope to France since Benedict XVI in 2008; Pope Francis’s earlier visits to French cities were focused on European institutions and Mediterranean affairs rather than formal state engagements.
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The Holy See Press Office said the Pope’s UNESCO speech would be delivered in a mixture of French and English. UNESCO Deputy Director-General Åsa Regnér said multilateral institutions have a critical role in fostering global stability.
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At the airport, President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Pope. Their meeting was expected to cover climate change, European and international affairs, end-of-life care and child protection; one French academic also suggested that the low-rated president could benefit from appearing alongside the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France for a four-day state visit focused on peace, artificial intelligence, and faith in a secular society. RFI reported that more than a million people are expected to attend events across Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, with registrations filling within days. The Ratopati noted that polls showed over 80% of French people view the Pope favorably.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Pope Leo at the airport. OSV News reported that the Pope urged French leaders to protect the right to life, condemning "assisted dying" and abortion in a speech at the Élysée Palace. This marks the first official papal state visit to France since Benedict XVI in 2008.
A Historic Return to Notre-Dame and Youth Engagement
The Paris program includes a major celebration of vespers at the newly reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral and a large youth vigil at the Paris stadium. Ratopati noted these events are central to the Pope's message of renewal and hope to European Catholics. The cathedral reopening represents a symbolic moment for both the Church and France after years of reconstruction.
UNESCO Address on AI, Peace, and Human Dignity
Pope Leo will deliver a landmark speech at UNESCO in a mix of French and English—his first papal address to the organization in over 40 years. Herald Malaysia reported that the Pope called on France to remain a champion of peace and multilateralism. UNESCO Deputy Director-General Åsa Regnér emphasized that multilateral institutions play a critical role in fostering global stability and addressing shared challenges.
Addressing Life Issues and Migrant Advocacy
The Pope will visit Maison Bakhita, a church-run center for migrants and marginalized groups in Paris, RFI reported. This stop sends a message about the Church's commitment to vulnerable populations. OSV News noted the Pope's visit to the migrant center comes ahead of French political debates and underscores his advocacy for protecting human dignity across all issues of life.
Lourdes and Spiritual Renewal in Secular France
The Pope will visit Lourdes, a city renowned for its documented medical miracles and deep spiritual significance. Fox News highlighted Lourdes' role as a major pilgrimage destination where the faithful seek healing and renewal. The visit underscores the Church's effort to reconnect with French Catholics and demonstrate faith's enduring relevance in a largely secular nation.
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