Pope Leo XIV's Upcoming Apostolic Journey to France

Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on an Apostolic Journey to France from September 25 to 28, 2026, marking his fifth international trip since assuming the papacy. During a press conference on September 18, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, provided details regarding the itinerary, which includes key French cities such as Paris, Lourdes, and Metz.

This visit will make France the ninth country Pope Leo visits, counting the Pastoral visit to San Marino in August 2026. The Pope’s schedule will encompass meetings with civil authorities, young people, local clergy, and visits to charity initiatives. Notably, he will also visit the UNESCO headquarters in Paris during this journey.

Bruni highlighted that all of the Pope’s addresses will primarily be delivered in French, with the exception of his speech at the UNESCO gathering, which will feature both French and English, and his address during the “To the roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” event in Metz, which will be entirely in English. The themes surrounding this journey are expected to reflect on French culture, history, faith, and the role of the Church within a society that is currently grappling with questions regarding humanity, life, and technological advancements.

He further discussed the Church's involvement in addressing social challenges in France, emphasizing its commitment to aiding the most vulnerable. Additionally, he mentioned the surge in adult baptisms, with 13,000 reported during Easter 2026. Moreover, the importance of environmental considerations and the role of education as a vehicle for peace will be focal points during discussions at UNESCO. The year 2027 will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and UNESCO.