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Pope Leo XIV's Grand Visit to France Set to Attract Millions
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV is set to make his first official state visit to France in 18 years, drawing large crowds and international attention.
PARIS — Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming four-day visit to France, marking the first official papal state visit in 18 years, is expected to attract over 1 million people, according to the Bishops’ Conference of France (CEF).
The trip, which begins on September 25, includes popemobile rides, an open-air Mass in central Paris, and a stop in Lourdes, a significant Catholic pilgrimage site. The visit is seen as important for France and the world, with Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the bishops’ conference, stating, 'The pope will have very important things to say to the entire world.
Organizers expect at least 500,000 people to line the Champs-Élysées and near the Arc de Triomphe, where Leo will cross in the popemobile. The trip will also include a 1.6-mile route through central Paris as church bells ring across the city. He will later celebrate vespers at Notre Dame Cathedral and end the day with a prayer vigil with young people at France’s national stadium.
The Vatican will send three vehicles to France: two popemobiles and a golf cart, requiring some road transport logistics. The visit is expected to cost the Catholic Church 27 million euros ($31 million), according to Sylvain Guillebaud, deputy secretary-general of the CEF.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit is also part of a broader European and international dimension, with a stop in Metz, near France’s borders with Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, intended to highlight the trip’s significance.
In the foreword to a new edition of the youth catechism YouCat, Pope Leo XIV reflects on human love, emphasizing that it is not a fleeting feeling but a decision, a journey, and a lifelong covenant. This version, aimed at young people preparing for the vocation of marriage, is scheduled for release in November.
Pope Leo XIV explained, 'In revealing the heart of the Father, Christ shows us the deepest meaning of our existence, of our relationships, and the path to happiness.' He also called the Church 'a mystery of communion' and 'a sign and leaven of unity for our world,' highlighting the importance of unity and shared communion with God and one another.
What's confirmed
- PARIS — Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming four-day visit to France, marking the first official papal state visit in 18 years, is expected to attract over 1 million people, according to the Bishops’ Conference of France (CEF).
- The trip, which begins on September 25, includes popemobile rides, an open-air Mass in central Paris, and a stop in Lourdes, a significant Catholic pilgrimage site. The visit is seen as important for France and the world, with Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the bishops’ conference, stating, 'The pope will have very important things to say to the entire world.
- Organizers expect at least 500,000 people to line the Champs-Élysées and near the Arc de Triomphe, where Leo will cross in the popemobile. The trip will also include a 1.6-mile route through central Paris as church bells ring across the city. He will later celebrate vespers at Notre Dame Cathedral and end the day with a prayer vigil with young people at France’s national stadium.
- The Vatican will send three vehicles to France: two popemobiles and a golf cart, requiring some road transport logistics. The visit is expected to cost the Catholic Church 27 million euros ($31 million), according to Sylvain Guillebaud, deputy secretary-general of the CEF.
- Pope Leo XIV’s visit is also part of a broader European and international dimension, with a stop in Metz, near France’s borders with Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, intended to highlight the trip’s significance.
- In the foreword to a new edition of the youth catechism YouCat, Pope Leo XIV reflects on human love, emphasizing that it is not a fleeting feeling but a decision, a journey, and a lifelong covenant. This version, aimed at young people preparing for the vocation of marriage, is scheduled for release in November.
- Pope Leo XIV explained, 'In revealing the heart of the Father, Christ shows us the deepest meaning of our existence, of our relationships, and the path to happiness.' He also called the Church 'a mystery of communion' and 'a sign and leaven of unity for our world,' highlighting the importance of unity and shared communion with God and one another.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.