France is about to witness a decisive turning point in its modern ecclesial and diplomatic history. On Friday, September 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV arrives for his first official visit since his election — a four-day apostolic journey that signals a major shift in the relationship between the Holy See and France. From Paris to Saint-Denis, then Lourdes and Metz, the trip is designed to create momentum for the Church in Europe and beyond.
A republican welcome and a packed first day in Paris
The Pope’s plane is scheduled to touch down at Paris-Orly airport at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25. As he steps onto French soil, church bells across the country will ring out for seven minutes — a powerful, symbolic start to a visit that many see as a breakthrough moment.
From the airport, the pontiff launches straight into a demanding schedule that blends institutional encounters with direct contact with the faithful:
- Diplomacy and institutions: A private meeting with the President of the Republic at the Élysée Palace, followed by an address to the diplomatic corps and a highly anticipated speech at UNESCO headquarters at 3:00 p.m.
- Connecting with the public: A ride through the capital in the popemobile, from Notre-Dame des Champs church to Place Saint-Michel, before leading vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Youth gathering: In the evening, the Pope will preside over a large vigil with more than 75,000 young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The Holy Tunic of Argenteuil will be displayed on this exceptional occasion.
On Saturday, September 26, the Holy Father will visit vulnerable people at Maison Bakhita in the 18th arrondissement, exchange with the Synodal Assembly at the Institut Catholique de Paris, and then celebrate a solemn open-air Mass between Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées.
A memorial stop in Lourdes and a European finale in Metz
On Saturday evening, the Pope will fly to Tarbes-Lourdes on a special Air France flight. Sunday, September 27, will be entirely dedicated to the Marian sanctuary of Lourdes: a time of prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle, a Sunday Mass on the Prairie before more than 150,000 faithful, meetings with the sick, and a candlelight procession.
The apostolic journey concludes on Monday, September 28, in Lorraine. In Metz, Leo XIV will hold an ecumenical meeting focused on “the roots of Europe, peace and unity,” before presiding over a final Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral and returning to Rome in the early evening.
