Pope Leo XIV visits Maison Bakhita in Paris

Pope Leo XIV visited the Maison Bakhita social integration and accompaniment center in Paris on the second day of his apostolic journey to France. Upon his arrival at 8:40 a.m., the pope was received by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, the center's director, and the meeting coordinator.

During the visit, the pope unveiled a commemorative plaque and listened to testimonies from an Afghan refugee and individuals supported by the À Bras Ouverts and Aux Captifs la Libération associations. The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts, the recitation of the Padrenuestro, and a blessing.

The center, which was started by the Archdiocese of Paris in 2018 and officially inaugurated in 2021, occupies 1,400 square meters and promotes the welcome, training, and inclusion of migrants. Following the visit, the pope traveled to the Institut Catholique de Paris to meet with members of the provincial synodal assembly, catechumens, and neophytes.