Pope Leo XIV to embark on four-day apostolic journey to France

Pope Leo XIV will conduct his first official apostolic journey to France from September 25 to 28, 2026. The four-day visit includes stops in Paris, Saint-Denis, Lourdes, and Metz.

In Paris, the Pope is scheduled to meet with the President of the Republic at the Élysée Palace and address UNESCO. A major highlight of the trip will occur at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, where he will participate in a prayer vigil with approximately 75,000 to 80,000 young people. During this event, he will perform the historic and unprecedented act of venerating the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil, a relic believed to be the seamless robe worn by Christ. This marks the first time in modern history that the tunic has been officially removed from its basilica in Argenteuil.

The itinerary continues with a visit to the Maison Bakhita and an outdoor mass in central Paris. On Sunday, the Pope will travel to Lourdes to participate in services at the sanctuary, including a mass for over 150,000 faithful. The journey will conclude in Metz on Monday with an ecumenical meeting focused on European roots and peace.