Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will make his fifth Apostolic Journey from September 25 to 28, visiting France for four days of prayer, meetings, celebrations and encounters with people from different backgrounds. The official programme for the visit has now been released, with the Pope scheduled to travel to Paris, Saint Denis, Lourdes and Metz before returning to Rome.
The visit will be particularly significant as it will be the first official state visit to France by a Pope since Pope Benedict XVI travelled there in September 2008. Pope Francis visited France several times during his pontificate, including trips to Marseille in 2023 and Ajaccio in Corsica in 2024, but those journeys were not officially classified as state visits.
Pope Leo will begin his journey on Friday, September 25, when he leaves Rome Fiumicino International Airport at 7:50 in the morning. He is expected to arrive at Paris Orly International Airport at 10 in the morning. Following the official welcome ceremony, he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Pope will then address French authorities, representatives of civil society and members of the diplomatic corps. Later in the afternoon, he will visit the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech.
The first day will continue with an important religious gathering at Notre Dame Cathedral. Pope Leo will celebrate Vespers with clergy and consecrated men and women and will deliver a homily during the celebration.
His busy first day will conclude in Saint Denis, where he will gather with young people at the Stade de France for a prayer vigil. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the Pope to encourage young people in their faith and to speak about hope, unity and their role in the future of society.
On Saturday, September 26, Pope Leo will begin the second day of his visit with a stop at the Maison Bakhita Center in Paris. The centre, which was opened in 2021 by the Archdiocese of Paris, provides support and assistance to people living in exile. Its work includes programmes aimed at welcoming migrants, helping them integrate into society and defending their rights.
The centre was established in response to Pope Francis' appeal for societies to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants. Pope Leo's visit will highlight the Church's continued concern for people who are facing difficulties because of displacement and migration.
Later, Pope will meet members of the provincial synodal assembly, catechumens and newly baptised Catholics at the Institut Catholique de Paris. Before leaving the capital, he will celebrate Mass at the Place de la Concorde.
Pope Leo will then travel by plane to Lourdes, one of the world's most well known Catholic pilgrimage destinations. After arriving, he will pray at the Grotto of the Apparitions at Massabielle at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Sunday, September 27, will be dedicated largely to the Pope's activities in Lourdes. He will meet bishops belonging to the French Episcopal Conference at the Saint Bernadette auditorium at the shrine. The meeting will be followed by Mass at the Prairie, the large meadow area of the sanctuary.
Pope will also meet staff members and people who are sick at Accueil Notre Dame. The centre provides accommodation and specialised support for pilgrims who travel to Lourdes, including those living with serious illnesses or disabilities.
Another important moment will be Pope Leo's private meeting with contemplative religious sisters at the Carmelite Monastery of Lourdes. His day will conclude with the traditional torchlight Rosary procession at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.
On the final day of the journey, September 28, Pope Leo will leave Lourdes and travel to Metz. There, he will participate in an interreligious meeting and attend the gathering titled To the roots of Europe for peace and unity at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre.
Pope will then celebrate his final Mass in France at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Metz. The historic church is famous for its vast collection of stained glass windows and is often known as the Lantern of God.
After the Mass and final engagements in Metz, Pope Leo will return to Rome. His flight is scheduled to leave Metz Nancy Lorraine International Airport at 7 in the evening.
The Vatican has also released the logo and motto for the apostolic journey. The logo draws inspiration from the stained glass and Gothic architecture associated with France. It includes a Gothic arch and a cross, representing the apostolic and liturgical character of the visit. A dove carrying an olive branch represents the Holy Spirit and the message of peace.
The colours used in the logo include blue, white and red, reflecting the colours of France, along with yellow orange and green to represent light and hope.
The motto of the journey is That the world may have life. The Vatican says the words express a call to hope, communion and peace. They also reflect the desire to overcome divisions and encourage reconciliation and fraternity.
Another important part of Pope Leo's visit will be a private meeting with survivors of abuse in the Catholic Church. The Holy See Press Office confirmed that several survivors will meet the Pope during his journey. The survivors themselves will take part in preparing the meeting.
The Vatican has not yet announced the date, location or number of people who will participate. Further information may be released later.
The meeting will be particularly meaningful in France, where the Church has faced a serious abuse crisis and has been working on reforms, accountability and healing. It follows a similar meeting Pope Leo held with survivors during his visit to Spain.
French Church leaders have described the preparation for the papal visit as a major undertaking. Cardinal Jean Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille and President of the French Bishops' Conference, said the programme had been developed over several months in cooperation with the Vatican and dioceses across France.
The Archdiocese of Paris is preparing to involve around 10,000 volunteers in welcoming visitors and helping organise the different events. Practical arrangements are expected to be announced gradually.
A dedicated website has also been launched by the Church in France for the visit. People will be able to find information about the programme, register to volunteer and make donations to support the organisation of the journey.
With its combination of political meetings, religious celebrations, encounters with young people, migrants, the sick, survivors of abuse and representatives of different religions, Pope Leo's four day visit is expected to place strong emphasis on peace, unity, hope and the Church's mission in French society.