Pope Leo XIV in France: Key Moments from His Apostolic Journey

Paris, September 29, 2026: Pope Leo XIV's four-day apostolic journey to France, from September 25 to 28, brought together prayer, diplomacy, encounters with young people, care for the sick and calls for peace and European unity. Visiting Paris, Lourdes and Metz under the motto “That the World May Have Life”, the Pope met political leaders, Church representatives, pilgrims and people experiencing vulnerability.

Here are 10 key moments from the journey.

1. Meeting French President Emmanuel Macron

Pope Leo began his visit in Paris on September 25, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The two held a private meeting before the Pope addressed authorities, civil society representatives and the diplomatic corps.

In his address, the Pope emphasised human dignity, religious freedom and the protection of every human life. He described the protection of the right to life as the foundation of all other human rights and called for care for those who are vulnerable.

2. Visit to UNESCO

At the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Pope Leo highlighted the role of education, culture and international cooperation in building peace. The visit formed part of his engagement with international institutions during the journey.

His address reflected on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting education as a means of fostering understanding among peoples. The visit also highlighted the relationship between the Church's mission and the wider international community.

3. Prayer at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Pope Leo celebrated Vespers with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and seminarians at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on September 25. The celebration marked a significant encounter with the local Church and its pastoral mission.

Recalling the cathedral's restoration after the 2019 fire, the Pope highlighted its importance as a place of faith and cultural heritage. He encouraged the Church in France to continue proclaiming the Gospel and welcoming people into the Christian community.

4. Prayer vigil with young people

At the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Pope Leo joined young people for a prayer vigil on September 25. The gathering brought together young faithful for an evening of prayer and reflection.

The encounter also included the veneration of the Holy Tunic, traditionally associated with Christ's Passion. The gathering highlighted the place of young people in the Church's life and mission.

5. Visit to Maison Bakhita

On September 26, the Pope visited Maison Bakhita, a centre for social support and integration in Paris, where he met people involved in accompanying migrants and those experiencing social vulnerability.

The visit highlighted the Church's work in welcoming and supporting migrants and people seeking to rebuild their lives. It brought attention to the importance of practical assistance, accompaniment and human dignity in the Church's social mission.

6. Meeting with catechumens and newly baptised

At the Institut Catholique de Paris, Pope Leo met members of the Provincial Synodal Assembly, catechumens and newly baptised people. The encounter provided an opportunity to meet people preparing to enter the Church and those who had recently received the Sacraments of Christian initiation.

The meeting highlighted the growing importance of Christian initiation and the accompaniment of those discovering or deepening their faith.

7. Mass for pilgrims in Paris

One of the largest gatherings of the journey took place at Place de la Concorde, where Pope Leo celebrated Holy Mass on September 26. The Holy See Press Office reported that approximately 800,000 faithful were present.

The Eucharistic celebration was a votive Mass in honour of the Virgin Mary, Source of Salvation. The Pope greeted pilgrims from an open car on his way to the venue, where the faithful gathered for a public celebration of the Eucharist and Marian devotion.

8. Prayer at Lourdes and the Golden Rose

At the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope Leo prayed at the Grotto of the Apparitions at Massabielle on September 26. He touched the rock, drank water from the spring and placed a Golden Rose at the foot of the statue of Our Lady.

The following day, he celebrated Mass at the shrine and joined pilgrims for the evening Rosary and torchlight procession. These encounters placed Marian prayer and devotion at the heart of the journey.

9. Meeting with the sick and French bishops

On September 27, the Pope met the bishops of the French Episcopal Conference before celebrating Mass at Lourdes. He urged them to acknowledge the Church's failures with a commitment to truth and to accompany those who had been wounded.

He also met the sick and staff of Accueil Notre Dame, a centre that welcomes pilgrims with illnesses and disabilities, and held a private meeting with contemplative religious sisters at the Carmelite Monastery. The encounters highlighted the Church's responsibility to accompany those who suffer and the importance of prayer and consecrated life.

10. At the roots of Europe in Metz

The final day took Pope Leo to Metz, where he participated in an interreligious meeting and the gathering “To the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre. Representatives of different faiths read the Metz Appeal before the Pope delivered his address.

The gathering focused on Europe's Christian heritage, dialogue among religious communities and the pursuit of peace and unity. The Pope also met French President Emmanuel Macron during the event, highlighting the importance of cooperation in addressing challenges facing Europe.

The journey concluded with Holy Mass at St Stephen's Cathedral in Metz, followed by a farewell ceremony at Metz-Nancy-Lorraine International Airport. Before departing for Rome, Pope Leo held a final private meeting with President Macron at the airport.

From the crowds in Paris to the prayers at Lourdes and the calls for unity in Metz, Pope Leo XIV's visit brought together the Church's spiritual mission and engagement with society, placing faith, human dignity and peace at the centre of his encounters.

By Catholic Connect Reporter