Pope Leo to visit France September 25-28

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Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will travel to France for an official state visit from September 25 to 28, marking the first such trip by a pontiff in 18 years, the Vatican announced Saturday.

The American-born pontiff, elected in May 2025, will travel to Paris to visit the headquarters of UNESCO, the United Nations’ culture agency. French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the confirmation, stating the visit would be an honor for the country and a moment of great hope.

The four-day trip signals a strategic shift from his predecessor, Francis, who focused primarily on smaller Catholic communities. Pope Leo’s itinerary instead prioritizes engagement with historically Catholic but increasingly secular European nations.

The announcement follows invitations from French bishops and President Macron. It marks the first official papal state visit to France since Benedict XVI's trip in September 2008.