Pope Leo XIV to visit France Sept. 25–28; Paris, Lourdes, Metz and UNESCO on itinerary

Pope Leo XIV will make an Apostolic Journey to France from Sept. 25 to 28, 2026 — his fifth Apostolic Journey — visiting Paris, Saint-Denis, Lourdes, and Metz, according to the Holy See Press Office programme and a Sept. 18 briefing by Press Office Director Matteo Bruni, as reported by Vatican News.

The published programme includes a courtesy visit to the president of the Republic and a meeting with authorities at the Élysée Palace; an address at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris; Vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral; a prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis; Mass at Place de la Concorde; prayer at the Lourdes grotto and further Lourdes events; and, in Metz, an interreligious meeting and a “To the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” meeting at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre, followed by Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen.

Bruni said the journey would engage French society, culture, history, and faith, and that questions about humanity, life, science, technological progress, and artificial intelligence may arise. He also said a reference to situations of conflict could be expected. Vatican News reported the visit motto, “That the world may have life.” Vatican News also noted a planned private meeting with survivors of abuse in the Church during the journey. The Holy See Press Office, as Vatican News reported that announcement, said no further details of the date, location, or number of participants were being released at that time.

An Associated Press preview carried by ABC News on Sept. 21 placed the trip against French debates on abortion and end-of-life legislation and expected themes of life and dignity. Those interpretive points are the Associated Press’s framing, not Holy See programme language.