Pope Leo XIV prays at Lourdes grotto

Pope Leo XIV held a public moment of prayer at the Massabielle grotto in Lourdes on Saturday, September 26. The visit marked the start of the second stage of his apostolic journey in France, following his time in Paris.

After arriving in Lourdes, the pope met with civil and religious authorities and inaugurated a bridge named in his honor. He arrived at the grotto to pray, where he followed pilgrimage customs such as lighting a candle and using the water.

In a prayer released by the Archdiocese of Avignon, the pope asked for the protection of France and for its people to experience fraternal harmony and peace. He prayed for the country to reject violence and war, for the defense of human rights, and for the support of the poor. He also asked for wise and generous leaders who serve the common good and for the renewal of faith within Christian families.