Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming Apostolic Journey to France will bring the Holy Father to some of the nation’s most significant religious and cultural landmarks while highlighting themes of hope, unity, peace, and the Church’s mission in today’s world.
The Holy See has released the official schedule for the four-day visit, which will take place September 25–28. According to Vatican News, the Pope will travel to Paris, Saint-Denis, Lourdes, and Metz before returning to Rome, making this the first official papal state visit to France since Pope Benedict XVI’s journey in 2008.
The pilgrimage will begin in Paris, where Pope Leo will be formally welcomed before meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. According to Vatican News, the Pope will also address government leaders, members of civil society, and the diplomatic corps before traveling to UNESCO headquarters to deliver a major address.
The first day will conclude with two deeply spiritual moments. Pope Leo will celebrate Vespers with priests, deacons, religious, and consecrated men and women at Notre-Dame Cathedral before joining thousands of young people for a prayer vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
On the second day, the Holy Father will visit the Maison Bakhita Center in Paris, which serves migrants and people living in exile. According to Vatican News, the center was established in response to Pope Francis’ 2017 appeal “to welcome, protect, promote and integrate” migrants, describing this mission as “a duty of justice, civilization and solidarity.”
Pope Leo will then meet members of the provincial synodal assembly, catechumens, and newly baptized faithful at the Institut Catholique de Paris before celebrating Mass at the Place de la Concorde.
Later that day, the pilgrimage will take a distinctly Marian focus as the Pope travels to Lourdes. According to Vatican News, he will pray at the Grotto of the Apparitions at Massabielle, one of the world’s most beloved pilgrimage sites dedicated to Our Lady.
September 27 will be devoted entirely to Lourdes. Pope Leo will meet with the bishops of the French Episcopal Conference, celebrate Mass at the Shrine’s Prairie, visit the sick and caregivers at the Accueil Notre Dame, and privately meet with contemplative Carmelite sisters. The day will conclude with participation in the Shrine’s traditional torchlight Rosary procession, a cherished expression of Marian devotion attended by pilgrims from around the world.
The final day will take the Pope to Metz, where he will participate in an interreligious gathering and the “To the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” meeting at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre. He will also celebrate his final Mass of the journey at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, a church renowned for its remarkable stained-glass windows before departing for Rome that evening.
The Holy See also unveiled the official logo and motto for the visit. According to Vatican News, the design incorporates Gothic stained-glass imagery representing “the beauty of communion and unity within the Church.” The Cross reflects “the apostolic and liturgical dimension of the journey,” while a dove carrying an olive branch symbolizes peace. The official motto, “That the world may have life,” is described as “a call to hope and communion, encouraging people to overcome divisions in order to share peace, reconciliation, and fraternity, signs of new life in the world.”
Alongside the publication of the itinerary, the Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Leo XIV will privately meet with survivors of abuse during his visit. According to the Vatican statement, “The survivors themselves will be involved in preparing this meeting,” while noting that no additional details regarding the time or location have yet been released. The meeting follows a similar encounter during the Pope’s recent Apostolic Journey to Spain and reflects the Church’s continued commitment to accountability and healing.
Preparations across France continue to accelerate. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille and President of the French Bishops’ Conference, said, “It is a great joy to be able to share it today with all of France,” after months of collaboration between the Vatican, French dioceses, and local organizers. Bishop Benoît Bertrand added, “Everything is being organized so that everyone who wishes to do so can take part in this exceptional event.”
According to Vatican News, the Archdiocese of Paris expects approximately 10,000 volunteers to help welcome pilgrims and assist with the papal events, while the Church in France has launched a dedicated website where volunteers can register and supporters may contribute to the success of the historic visit.
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