Pope’s visit to France likely to attract 1M people, with Mass and vigil in Paris and Lourdes trip
PARIS (AP) — Pope Leo XIV’ s forthcoming trip to France, which marks the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years, is expected to attract more than 1 million people, according to the Bishops’ Conference of France…
Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to France is anticipated to draw over 1 million attendees, as reported by the Bishops’ Conference of France. The four-day state visit commences on September 25, featuring popemobile parades, open-air Masses, and a pilgrimage to Lourdes, a revered Catholic pilgrimage site. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the conference’s president, emphasized the significance of the papal journey, stating that it holds importance for both the welcoming nation and the global community.
The pope's itinerary begins in Paris, where he will meet with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. Following a speech at UNESCO headquarters, the pontiff will embark on a 2.5-kilometer journey through central Paris in a popemobile, with up to 150,000 people expected to gather along the route. The following day, Pope Leo will lead a vespers ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral and conclude the day with a prayer vigil for young people at France's national stadium, with thousands more spectators expected to witness the events.
The following day, Pope Leo will hold an open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde, projected to attract at least 500,000 people lining the Champs-Élysées and surrounding areas. On the same day, the pontiff will visit migrants at the Maison Bakhita, a support and integration center, before meeting with recently baptized Catholics. In Lourdes, the pope will meet seven survivors of sexual abuse, highlighting the Church's growing awareness and efforts to address this sensitive issue.
The pope will conclude his Lourdes visit with a rosary and torchlight procession, marking the end of his historic French pilgrimage.
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