Pope Leo XIV meets with neophytes in Paris

Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation of catechumens and neophytes at the Catholic Institute of Paris on Saturday, September 26, 2026. During the meeting, the pope told the group they represent a promise for the future growth of the Church in France and encouraged them to act as missionaries within society.

The visit followed a large vigil at the Stade de France the previous evening. Upon arriving at the institute, the pope was received by Father Emmanuel Petit, the rector of the institute. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris also attended the meeting, where he presented the provincial synodal assembly of Île-de-France.

The assembly, which officially launched on May 31, brings together 350 people to discuss how to welcome and integrate the growing number of people seeking sacraments of Christian initiation. Archbishop Ulrich noted that the increasing demand for these sacraments shows the Church is growing and remains connected to the world.