Pope Leo to visit France in September, Vatican says
Summary
Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25 to 28 for the first official papal state visit in 18 years. The visit includes stops in Paris and Lourdes and aims to strengthen ties with a historically Catholic but increasingly secular country.Key Facts
- The visit is scheduled for September 25-28, 2026.
- It is the first official state visit by a pope to France since 2008.
- Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, elected in May 2025.
- He will visit UNESCO headquarters in Paris during the trip.
- The visit follows his planned trip to Spain in June 2026.
- Pope Leo XIV speaks French and has expressed respect for France’s spiritual history.
- Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage site, is part of the itinerary.
- The visit was invited by the French Bishops’ Conference president and supported by French President Emmanuel Macron.
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