After eighteen years, France welcomes the visit of Pope Leon XIV. The Holy Father arrived in Paris as part of a four-day visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, French church authorities, and the Director-General of UNESCO. The Pope has just landed in the country.
This is the first time the Pope has visited France since Benedict XVI's visit in September 2008. Pope Leon XIV is expected to be met with grand masses, a packed program, and significant public and media enthusiasm, as the visit is seen as an opportunity for the Catholic Church striving for renewal.
The Pope's visit, which costs 27 million euros, required the mobilization of thousands of security personnel across three locations: Paris, Lourdes (southwest), and Metz (northeast).
The Pope from North America will address a wide range of topics, including the fight against sexual abuse, artificial intelligence, the migration crisis, the defense of life, and peace in Europe. This occurs just seven months before the French presidential elections, where the far-right holds a strong position.
Leon XIV arrived at Paris-Orly Airport at 10 am on Friday (one hour earlier than in Lisbon), followed by a courtesy call to Emmanuel Macron and a meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps at the Élysée Palace.
In the afternoon, Leon XIV visited the UNESCO headquarters and participated in evening prayers at Notre Dame Cathedral. In the evening, he joined young people at the Francis Stadium in Saint-Denis.