On Friday, Pope Leo XIV touched down in France to launch his fifth Apostolic Journey, marking the first formal papal visit since Pope Benedict XVI’s 2008 trip. The four‑day itinerary, announced by French bishops under the theme “That the world may have life,” arrives at a time when the nation, traditionally secular, is witnessing a notable rise in adult baptisms.
Growing Faith in a Secular Nation
The Conference of Bishops of France reports that more than 21,000 adults have joined the Church this year, driven largely by 18‑ to 25‑year‑olds seeking spiritual direction. Retired Bishop Marc Stenger told Reuters the Pope’s presence has sparked a “real tidal wave” of interest, with French Catholics loudly calling for the Church to guide them through uncertain global moments.
Key Themes and Public Appearances
After a courtesy reception at the Élysée Palace with President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Leo is slated to deliver fifteen speeches across the country. His remarks are expected to cover the protection of immigrants, the sick and unborn, and a defense of human dignity in the era of artificial intelligence. The pontiff will also address broader issues of peace, culture, and unity.
One of the most high‑profile events will be a Mass at Paris’s Place de la Concorde, where organizers anticipate up to one million attendees. Security perimeters have been expanded beyond the 1.2‑mile stretch of the Champs‑Élysées to accommodate the crowds.
Healing and Reconciliation
In a rare gesture, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo will meet privately in Lourdes with seven survivors of clergy abuse, signaling a message of healing and vulnerability. The move follows a 2021 report that identified roughly 330,000 French children abused by clergy and lay leaders over seven decades, a scandal that deeply wounded the Church’s credibility.
AI Warning and International Dialogue
During a scheduled speech at UNESCO headquarters, Pope Leo is expected to reiterate his call for a slowdown in artificial‑intelligence development, emphasizing the need to preserve what makes human beings human. This stance contrasts with President Trump’s encouragement of AI innovation to keep the United States competitive with China.
Historic Sites and Symbolic Stops
The Pope will also visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a pilgrimage destination renowned for its ministry to the sick, and the newly restored Cathedral of Notre‑Dame, marking the first papal visit since the 2019 fire that devastated the landmark.
His final stop will be the border city of Metz, the birthplace of former Prime Minister Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union. Vatican officials say the Pope will use the setting to champion friendship among European peoples.
Political Context
France’s recent legislation allowing adults with incurable illnesses to obtain lethal medication, as well as the 2024 law enshrining abortion as a constitutional right, provides a backdrop to the Pope’s emphasis on protecting the unborn and defending human dignity.
French Ambassador to the Vatican Charles Personnaz noted that President Macron has invited leaders from all 27 EU member states to attend the UNESCO address, and reports suggest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may also be present.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
