Lourdes hunting suspended for papal visit

Hunting activities will be temporarily suspended in twelve communes surrounding Lourdes, France, due to the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV. The suspension is scheduled to run from 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, until 9:00 AM on Monday, September 28.

The decision was issued via prefectural decree as part of the security measures required for the papal visit. The restriction covers the entirety of Lourdes and the communes of Omex, Ossen, Ségus, Poueyferré, Juillan, Louey, Ossun, Lanne, Adé, Bartrès, and Julos.

Authorities stated that the measure is strictly limited in both time and space to address security imperatives. The suspension aims to manage the movement of tens of thousands of expected visitors and to prevent activities involving firearms or significant movement in the protected perimeters.