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Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic visit to France, September 25-28, 2026

Scheduled from September 25 through September 29, the Holy Father will make an Apostolic visit to France. The schedule, as announced, will be:

Friday, September 25 
7:50 a.m. (07:00) Depart Rome Fiumicino Airport;

10:00 a.m (10:00) arrive Paris Orly Airport.
Welcome ceremony; meet with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. Meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps.

3:00 p.m. (15:00) Visit to UNESCO headquarters.

7:15 p.m. (17:15) Vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral with clergy and consecrated persons.

9:00 p.m. (21:00) Prayer vigil with young people at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Saturday, September 26
9:00 a.m. (09:00) Visit Maison Bakhita Centre for migrants and refugees.

10:15 a.m. (10:15) Audience with provincial synodal assembly, catechumens, and newly baptized at Catholic University of Paris.

3:00 p.m. (15:00) Mass at Place de la Concorde.

6:45 p.m. (18:45) Depart Paris Orly International Airport.

7:05 p.m. (19:05) Arrival at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées International Airport

7:40 p.m. (19:40) Prayer at the Grotto of the Apparitions at Massabielle.

Sunday, September 27 – Lourdes
9:00 a.m. (09:00) Meeting with French bishops at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.

11:00 a.m. (11:00) Mass on the Shrine’s grounds.

3:30 p.m. (15:30) Meeting with staff and residents of Accueil Notre-Dame.

4:45 p.m. (16:45) Private meeting with Carmelite sisters.

9:00 p.m. (21:00) Holy Rosary and torchlight procession.

Monday, September 28– Metz
7:40 a.m. (07:40) Depart Lourdes; arrive Metz at 9:20 a.m.

10:00 a.m. (10:00) Interreligious meeting at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre.

11:00 a.m. (11:00) Conference on “To the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity.”

4:00 p.m. (16:00) Mass at Cathedral of Saint Stephen (La Cathedrale de Saint Etienne).

6:30 p.m. (18:30) Farewell ceremony; return to Rome.

The visit includes private meetings with survivors of abuse, continuing Pope Leo’s commitment to healing and reconciliation. Events will emphasize migrant support, peace-building, and interfaith dialogue.

This visit will be a significant moment for French Catholics and the global Church, combining spiritual encounters, social outreach, and diplomatic engagement.

The journey will be covered live by Vatican Media, EWTN and other outlets.

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