First Day of Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic visit to France

Pope Leo XIV’ s forthcoming trip to France, which marks the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years, is expected to attract more than 1 million people, according to the Bishops’ Conference of France (CEF).The Pope will also visit the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, continuing a papal tradition begun by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1980.

French bishops and local leaders have emphasized the pastoral nature of the visit, calling for preparation in welcoming the Pope and organizing events. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris described the visit as a “source of comfort and encouragement” for French Catholics.

This journey will be the fifth international trip of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, following visits to Turkey, Lebanon, Monaco, Algeria, and Spain

The trip is “important for the country hosting him, but more broadly … the pope will also have very important things to say to the entire world,” Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the bishops’ conference, said on Tuesday.

The visit will begin in Paris, where Leo will meet with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, before delivering a speech at the headquarters of UNESCO, the U.N.’s cultural agency.

Leo will then travel by popemobile along a 1.6 mile (2.5-kilometer) route through central Paris as church bells ring across the city. Organizers say as many as 150,000 people could gather to welcome him.

He will attend Vespers at Notre‑Dame Cathedral with clergy and religious leaders folowed by prayer vigil with youth at Stade de France.