His trip to France, as well as a previously announced June visit to Spain, showcases the Vatican leader’s interest in building ties with secular Catholic countries in Europe. It will be the first papal visit to France in 18 years.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the news Saturday, sharing on social media that “we are delighted that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has confirmed his trip to France. This visit next September will be an honor for our country, a joy for Catholics, and a great moment of hope for everyone.”
Macron visited the Vatican in April, where he extended once more the invitation from the president of the French Bishops’ Conference (CEF), Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline. “It’s a great joy, but also a great responsibility,” said Aveline on Saturday.
The pontiff will also travel to Lourdes, a renowned Catholic pilgrimage site in southwest France.
Pope Leo is also scheduled to visit Spain in June, when he will meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid and also travel to Barcelona and the Canary Islands.