Pope Leo XIV arrives in Paris at start of 4-day visit to France

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris on Friday to begin a four-day visit to France. President Emmanuel Macron and his wife welcomed the pope at Paris Orly Airport, where he received military honors and was presented with flowers by two local children. Following the arrival ceremony, the pope held a private conversation with President Macron.

The first day's itinerary includes visits to the UNESCO headquarters, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and a prayer vigil for 80,000 young people at the national stadium. He is scheduled to visit the Élysée Palace to speak with the president before delivering an official speech to political authorities, the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and members of civil society. During his flight from Rome, the pope stated he intends to address several important topics and travel as a follower of Jesus Christ seeking to bring peace to the world.

This trip marks the pope's fifth international journey and his first visit to Paris since Pope Benedict XVI traveled there in 2008. The pope will visit three French cities in total, including Metz and Lourdes. Observers expect the pope to address sensitive issues such as end-of-life questions, following France's recent legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia.