The Holy See Press Office published this Friday, August 7, the official program of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to France, scheduled for September 25–28. The visit, previously announced, will include stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, as well as a visit to the UNESCO headquarters.
It will be the Pontiff’s fifth international apostolic journey. Over the four days he will deliver nine speeches and four homilies, and will preside over liturgical celebrations, a vigil with young people, the recitation of the Rosary, and the traditional torchlight procession in Lourdes.
First day in Paris
Pope Leo XIV will arrive at Paris-Orly Airport on the morning of Friday, September 25. After the welcome ceremony, he will proceed to the Élysée Palace, where he will meet the President of the Republic and later hold an encounter with civil authorities, representatives of civil society, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In the afternoon he will visit the UNESCO headquarters, where he will deliver an address. At 5:15 p.m. he will preside over Vespers in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris together with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, and seminarians.
The day will conclude at 9:00 p.m. with a prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Mass in the Place de la Concorde and transfer to Lourdes
Saturday the 26th will begin with a visit to Maison Bakhita, a center for social accompaniment and integration run by the Archdiocese of Paris.
Afterward, Pope Leo XIV will meet with members of the provincial synodal assembly, catechumens, and neophytes at the Catholic Institute of Paris.
At 3:00 p.m. he will celebrate Mass in the Place de la Concorde. In the afternoon he will fly to Lourdes.
Upon arrival he will go to the Grotto of Massabielle at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he will lead a prayer.
Full day in Lourdes
On Sunday the 27th, Pope Leo XIV will meet in the morning with the bishops of the French Episcopal Conference.
At 11:00 a.m. he will celebrate Mass on the sanctuary meadow and afterward lead the recitation of the Angelus.
In the afternoon he will meet with staff and people assisted at the Accueil Notre-Dame, and later hold a private meeting with contemplative nuns at the Carmel of Lourdes.
At 9:00 p.m. he will preside over the Holy Rosary and the torchlight procession.
Metz closes the journey
On Monday the 28th, the Pope will travel from Lourdes to Metz, in northeastern France.
At 10:00 a.m. he will take part in an interreligious meeting at the Robert Schuman Congress Center. One hour later he will address the gathering entitled “At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity”.
At 4:00 p.m. he will celebrate Mass in Saint Stephen’s Cathedral.
The farewell ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport. The return flight to Rome is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with arrival at Fiumicino at 8:50 p.m.
Private meeting with abuse victims
The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, also confirmed that during the trip Pope Leo XIV will hold a private meeting with several victims of abuse in the Church.
The victims themselves will participate in the preparation of the meeting. At this time, neither the day, the location, nor the number of participants has been disclosed.