Pope Leo XIV visits France, meeting Macron and addressing 80,000 youth in Paris

Apostolic visit to Paris

Pope Leo XIV arrived in France for an apostolic visit covering Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, marking the first papal journey to the country in 18 years since Benedict XVI visited in September 2008. After choosing Spain for an earlier journey, the pontiff met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to address national authorities and diplomats. During his address, Leo XIV stated that diversity of origins enriches democratic life and argued that a free society protects the diversity of individual consciences rather than imposing uniformity. Addressing international conflicts and European security, he called on France to remain committed to multilateralism and peaceful negotiations.

“I urge you never to resign yourselves to the prospect of war by considering it inevitable, but to promote dialogue and diplomacy without ceasing, in order to preserve peaceful societies that respect the dignity and rights of individuals and peoples.”

Ethical questions and secularism

In his address to French institutions, the pontiff addressed the social framework of France, including the law on assisted dying passed several months prior. He urged leaders to protect human dignity against commercialized applications of biotechnology, surrogate motherhood, and scheduled death. Leo XIV situated the defense of life as a necessary base for all human rights while affirming the concept of state neutrality. Rather than disputing French secularism, known as laïcité, he asserted that public expressions of faith remain compatible with the civic sphere. Bishop Nazzareno Marconi, a member of the permanent council of the Italian Episcopal Conference, observed that the journey was deliberately organized as an apostolic mission rather than a state visit.

Youth gatherings and adult baptisms

The journey drew widespread public participation across Paris, including 80,000 young people who assembled at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis for an evening of hymns and prayer. French newspapers gave broad coverage to the events, with Le Parisien running the headline "Leone il Parigino" alongside photos at Notre-Dame, while Le Figaro and Libération reported on the large crowds. During a meeting at the Catholic Institute of Paris, the pontiff met with adult converts and catechumens. According to data from the French Episcopal Conference, 21,386 catechumens were baptized on Easter night in 2026, comprising 13,234 adults and 8,152 adolescents. This represented an overall increase of nearly 20% compared to 2025, driven by a 28% increase among adults and a 10% increase among adolescents.

Adults13,234

Adolescents8,152

Adults

13234

Adolescents

8152

Data from the article text

Social outreach and itinerary

On the second morning of the journey, Leo XIV began his schedule at 09:00 with a visit to Maison Bakhita, a social accompaniment and integration center in Paris. Speaking to volunteers and workers assisting migrants, the pontiff emphasized the contribution of women in community life and urged society to assist vulnerable and marginalized populations. He defined the poor not as a sociological category, but as the flesh of Christ requiring direct care and fraternal reception.

“The history of the Church and of humanity, properly seen, is not written by those who seem to win, imposing themselves and occupying space, but by those who make room, start peace processes, generate trust, and encourage life.”

The itinerary continues with a Mass at Place de la Concorde before the pontiff travels southwest to Lourdes for an evening prayer vigil with the sick at the Grotto of the Apparitions, concluding with an upcoming stop in Metz.