Macron welcomes 71-year-old Pope Leo XIV as four-day trip focuses on peace, AI, young Catholics and Europe’s future
Paris: Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday for a four-day journey marking the first official papal visit to the country since Pope Benedict XVI travelled there in 2008.
The 71-year-old Pope Leo XIV was welcomed at Paris-Orly Airport by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. The visit, running from September 25 to 28, will take Pope Leo XIV to Paris, Lourdes and Metz with a schedule of meetings, religious ceremonies and public events.
Peace and artificial intelligence on agenda
Speaking to reporters aboard the plane, Pope Leo XIV said he was travelling to France as a follower of Jesus Christ who wanted to proclaim peace around the world.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to address major issues during trip including future of Europe, artificial intelligence and migration. Pope Leo XIV is also scheduled to visit UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where technology and the need for cooperation are expected to feature prominently.
Pope Leo XIV will also visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, becoming pope to visit the landmark following its restoration after the devastating 2019 fire.
Thousands expected to attend events.
Large crowds are expected during Pope Leo XIV’s stay in France. Pope Leo XIV’s itinerary includes meetings with Catholics and a major Mass in the Paris region.
The trip also carries a pastoral dimension, particularly as France remains a largely secular country while interest among some young people in Catholicism has increased.
Lourdes visit and abuse survivors.
After Paris, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Lourdes, one of France’s known Catholic pilgrimage sites. There,e Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to pray at the Grotto of Apparitions, celebrate Mass, and meet church leaders and others.
Pope Leo XIV is also expected to meet seven survivors of sexual abuse in Lourdes, bringing renewed attention to the Church’s response to abuse in France. A 2021 inquiry estimated that 330,000 minors had been abused by clergy or other Church-related figures over several decades.
Pope Leo XIV will conclude his visit in Metz on September 28, where Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to speak about Europe, peace, and unity before returning to Rome.