Pope Leo XIV will embark on an apostolic journey to France from September 25 to 28, according to an announcement reported by journalist Jānis Evertovskis for the Vatican. The upcoming visit has generated unexpected public excitement and a high level of response in a short timeframe, as representatives from the French Bishops’ Conference emphasized during a press conference.
Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Journey to France Schedule and Stops
This journey marks the fifth foreign trip for Pope Leo XIV, originating from an initiative by the Archbishop of Marseille, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, as detailed by Vatican reports. Organizers operated under a tight four-month window to assemble a comprehensive itinerary spanning three main destinations: Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. The visit carries the official motto “That the World May Have Life,” a phrase rooted in the pontiff’s new encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, which focuses on protecting human life and dignity across all circumstances.
Paris Welcomes the Papal Visit Amid Growing Spiritual Awakening
Church bells and public events across the iconic Concorde Square and the Champs-Élysées will welcome the pontiff to the French capital, according to organizers. Church leadership maintains that utilizing public spaces for these gatherings complies fully with national legislation guaranteeing freedom of worship in the public sphere. Numerous young people, including members of other religious communities, are slated to participate to demonstrate openness and interfaith dialogue. Cardinal Aveline noted that rising numbers of catechumens and newly baptized individuals in France show that the country is resisting secularization, despite its strong secular traditions.
Did you know? Organizers have planned for an estimated one million total attendees across all of the papal journey’s designated stops in France.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes and European Peace Message in Metz
The most emotionally resonant moments of the trip will unfold in Lourdes, where the Pope arrives as an ordinary pilgrim to pray at the Grotto of Our Lady. Vatican reports confirm he will also hold a private, hour-long meeting with seven survivors of abuse. The itinerary concludes in Metz, the birthplace of European Union founding figure Robert Schuman. There, the message of Leo XIV will take on international dimensions, calling for reconciliation and peace among nations throughout Europe.
Budget and Security for the Papal Visit
Executing a trip of this scale requires substantial logistical and security resources, bringing the total estimated budget to 27 million euros, according to event organizers. Nationwide fundraising efforts remain ongoing. Church officials stress that the visit will mark a significant turning point not only for French Catholics but for the broader European community as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pope Leo XIV visiting France?
The apostolic journey takes place from September 25 to 28.
What are the main stops on the itinerary?
The Pope will visit Paris, Lourdes, and Metz during his journey.
What is the motto of the papal journey?
The visit operates under the motto “Lai pasaulei būtu dzīvība” (translated in the sources as “Lai pasaulei būtu dzīvība”), derived from the encyclical Magnifica humanitas.
How much is the visit expected to cost?
Organizers estimate the total budget for the visit at 27 million euros.
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