Catholic leaders meet in Paris to support rising number of adult converts

The Île-de-France provincial ecclesial assembly is holding its first plenary session in Paris on October 10-11. The meeting focuses on addressing the significant increase in adults seeking baptism within the French Catholic Church.

Bishops and diocesan delegates are discussing methods to better welcome, train, and provide long-term support to catechumens and newly baptized members, known as neophytes. The goal is to ensure these individuals find a lasting place within the church community through spiritual nourishment, prayer, and integration into parish life.

This initiative follows an exhortation from Pope Leo XIV during his visit to France on September 26. Speaking at the Catholic Institute of Paris, the Pope called for the creation of a ‘Church in a state of initiation’ that offers sustained support to those beginning or restarting their spiritual journeys.