On 25 September, Pope Leo XIV began a four-day apostolic visit to France. He was met at Paris-Orly Airport by President Emmanuel Macron. The Pontiff plans to speak on war and peace, international regulations for artificial intelligence and the future of Europe, and, in Lourdes, to meet with survivors of sexual abuse within the Church.
Briefly about the main points
- Leo XIV set off on a four-day tour of Paris, Lourdes and Metz.
- The Pontiff described himself as a «pilgrim of peace» in times of war.
- At UNESCO, he will continue the discussion on international regulations for AI.
- A private meeting with seven victims is planned in Lourdes.
- The closing address in Mecca will focus on peace and unity in Europe.
First day in Paris: a meeting with Macron and a service at Notre Dame
To the French capital Leo XIV He arrived in the morning. He was also met at the airport by the First Lady Brigitte Macron and representatives of the Catholic Church. On his way to Paris, the Pope told journalists that he had come as a «pilgrim of peace», as wars are still raging around the world.
The day’s programme includes a meeting with the President at the Élysée Palace and an address to representatives of the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps. In the evening, the Pope will preside over a service at the restored Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, after which he will meet with young people at the Stade de France.
At UNESCO, the Pope will speak about guidelines for artificial intelligence
A visit to the headquarters UNESCO is set to provide a platform for Pope Leo XIV’s address on artificial intelligence. Reuters describes the risks posed by the rapid development of this technology as one of the key themes of his pontificate.
The Pope calls on states to agree on international guidelines for the development of AI, … which would safeguard human dignity. On the eve of his visit to the Vatican, he stated that technology is capable of bringing significant benefits to humanity, but at the same time poses risks to security and international peace. In his view, world leaders must manage its development responsibly.
Lourdes and a meeting with survivors of sexual abuse
The French Catholic Church is still coming to terms with the fallout from the child sexual abuse scandal. In 2021, an independent commission estimated that between 1950 and 2020, approximately 330,000 minors may have been abused by members of the clergy and other individuals associated with Catholic institutions.
Following the report, the French bishops introduced compensation schemes and new rules to protect children. Victims’ organisations, however, are calling for greater accountability and systemic change. According to Reuters, the Pope is due to hold a private meeting in Lourdes with seven French people who have survived abuse at the hands of Church representatives.
A Mass in Paris, a trip to Lourdes and an address on Europe
On 26 September, Leo XIV will celebrate Mass in Place de la Concorde in Paris, before travelling to Lourdes — one of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites. The programme there will include Mass, a meeting with the French bishops and a prayer at the Massabielle Grotto.
The final stage will take place on 28 September in Mecca, near the German border. The Pontiff will take part in an interfaith meeting and speak at the event «Back to Europe’s Roots for Peace and Unity». The speech is expected to focus on Europe’s role against the backdrop of wars and geopolitical tensions.
The visit comes against a backdrop of a decline in religious self-identification in France
This is the first official papal visit to France in almost two decades. It is taking place at a time when the proportion of French people who identify as Catholic is falling.
According to INSEE figures cited by Reuters, around 25% of France’s population aged between 18 and 49 identify as Catholic, whereas ten years ago this figure stood at 43%. 8% of Catholics attend church services regularly. French church leaders regard restoring trust in the Church as one of the main challenges of this visit.
