Pope Leo XIV visits France

Pope Leo XIV visited Paris, Lourdes, and Metz from September 25 to 28, 2026. During the trip, the Pope met with diplomats and civil authorities in Paris, where he spoke about France's Christian roots and the ethical foundations of human rights, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He also addressed the topic of artificial intelligence, referencing his first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas.

The Pope delivered a speech at UNESCO and spoke about the need to protect the vulnerable, the importance of peace, and the protection of war victims. He also challenged the concept of laicism, which he described as the expulsion of religions from public life.

Following the visit, the bishop of the Diocese of Saint-Denis noted that the Church in France is planning to open new prayer schools and increase retreats and days of reflection. The bishop stated that the Pope's meeting with youth at the Stade de France served as a catalyst for renewal, prayer, and vocations.