Lourdes prepares for papal visit and Saint Bernadette relic pilgrimage

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is preparing for a major papal visit by Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for September 26 and 27. The event is expected to draw approximately 150,000 participants. During the visit, the Pope is planned to pray at the grotto, celebrate Sunday Mass, meet with the sick and their caregivers, and participate in a candlelight Marian procession.

In a separate major pastoral initiative, the relics of Saint Bernadette are scheduled to embark on an extensive pilgrimage across the United States. Starting on September 18, 2026, and lasting until August 2027, the relics will travel through four major stages, visiting approximately 140 locations including churches, cathedrals, universities, and hospitals. The tour will begin at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and conclude on the West Coast. While one reliquary travels to America, a second will remain in Lourdes to be available for the upcoming papal visit.