Pope Leo to visit France in September

The Holy See announced Saturday that Pope Leo XIV will travel to France Sept. 25-28 for an official state visit, which marks the first formal trip by the Vatican leader in almost two decades. The visit comes “in response to the invitation extended by the Head of State and ecclesiastical authorities of the country, and by the Director General of UNESCO,” where the pontiff will visit the UNESCO headquarters based in Paris, according to a statement from the Vatican’s press office.

The first-ever American to assume the papacy, Pope Leo has come under stark criticism in recent weeks from U.S. President Donald Trump after taking an anti-war stance on the Iran crisis. 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.

Key points

• The first-ever American to assume the papacy, Pope Leo has come under stark criticism in recent weeks from U.S.
• President Donald Trump after taking an anti-war stance on the Iran crisis.
• 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.