[REVISION HISTORY]

Pope Leon XIV concludes France pilgrimage and recovers

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2026-10-18 11:48 UTC → 2026-11-02 15:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Pope Leon XIV concluded a four-day apostolic pilgrimage to France from September 25 to 28, 2026, visiting Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. The visit, themed ‘so that the world may have life’, drew massive crowds, with updated estimates indicating over 1,300,000 faithful gathered at major sites including the Place de la Concorde, Lourdes, and the Stade de France. During addresses at the Élysée Palace, UNESCO, and Metz, the Pope discussed ‘just laïcité’ (just secularism), arguing that true secularism should utilize religion as an educational resource and emphasize religious freedom as the right to believe or not believe. In Lourdes, the Pope addressed sick and disabled individuals, telling them, “You are not a burden. You are the beating heart of our humanity.” The visit also featured a youth vigil at the Stade de France attended by 80,000 ~~people, including a performance by singer Monroe.~~ people. During his travels, the Pope addressed modern technological and social challenges, warning that artificial intelligence could undermine human dignity and calling for ethical regulation. He also expressed opposition to nuclear deterrence, genetic manipulation, and assisted dying. In Metz, the Pope advocated for European unity and multilateralism, urging leaders to avoid the ‘illusion of rearmament’ and prioritize diplomacy to resolve conflicts like the war in Ukraine. He also emphasized the importance of establishing safe, legal migration pathways. Prior to the trip, the visit faced several legal and logistical challenges. In Paris, the organization Mouv'Enfants challenged the authorization of an outdoor mass, while in Metz, secular associations contested the use of ~~500,000 euros in~~ municipal funds for the visit. In Lourdes, the sanctuary announced it would cover mosaics by Father Marko Rupnik following misconduct allegations. Additionally, Reda Belhaj of the Unité Île-de-France union reported that some police officers working 12-hour shifts received inadequate food. Pre-trip tensions included criticism from victim advocacy groups regarding a planned meeting with sexual abuse survivors. The French Bishops' Conference selected only seven individuals for a private meeting, a decision the collective from Notre-Dame de Bétharram described as “institutional contempt.” Following the pilgrimage, the Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for surgery to remove a portion of his lung due to a tumor. He has since returned to public duties at the Vatican, leading the traditional Angelus prayer.

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