Pope Leo XIV began his apostolic journey to France this Friday, September 25, with an explicit reference to the intercession of the Virgin Mary for “the desire for peace and reconciliation among peoples.” According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pontiff left Rome early in the morning and was received upon his arrival in Paris by the French president, Emmanuel Macron.
This is the fifth international apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV and will continue until Monday, September 28, with stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, as well as a visit to the UNESCO headquarters. The program includes institutional meetings, liturgical celebrations, and events with the faithful over four days.
From Rome to Paris
Pope Leo XIV left the Vatican in the morning and traveled by car to Rome-Fiumicino International Airport Leonardo da Vinci. At 7:58 a.m., he departed for Paris aboard an ITA Airways Airbus A321. According to the Vatican bulletin, the landing at Paris-Orly International Airport took place at 9:56 a.m.
Before leaving Italian airspace, the Pope sent a telegram to the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. In the message, he placed the beginning of the journey “under the gaze of the Virgin Mary” and entrusted to her intercession the desire for peace and reconciliation among peoples.
During the flight over Switzerland, he also sent a telegram to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, in which he extended greetings to the authorities and citizens of the country and invoked upon them the gifts of “peace and joy” from God.
Macron welcomes Pope Leo XIV at Orly
Upon his arrival at Paris-Orly, Pope Leo XIV was received by Emmanuel Macron at the foot of the aircraft stairs. After the national anthems, military honors, and the presentation of the respective delegations, both proceeded to the airport’s Honor Lounge for a brief private meeting.
From Orly, the Pope and the French president traveled to the Élysée Palace, where the first major institutional meeting of the visit is scheduled. Macron will participate in the main institutional events of the trip, although he will not attend any of the three Masses that the Pontiff will celebrate in France.
The first day will continue with a meeting with authorities, representatives of civil society, and members of the diplomatic corps. In the afternoon, Pope Leo XIV will go to the UNESCO headquarters, where he will deliver a speech, and later preside over Vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The day will conclude with a prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Telegram from Pope Leo XIV to the President of Italy
To His Excellency
Mr. Sergio Mattarella
President of the Italian Republic
Quirinal Palace
00187 Rome
As I prepare to undertake the Apostolic Journey to France, under the gaze of the Virgin Mary, to whose intercession we entrust the desire for peace and reconciliation among peoples, I am pleased to extend to you, Mr. President, my cordial greetings, accompanied by fervent wishes for the good and prosperity of the entire Italian Nation.
Leo PP. XIV
Telegram from Pope Leo XIV to the President of the Swiss Confederation
To His Excellency
Guy Parmelin
President of the Swiss Confederation
Bern
As I fly over Swiss airspace on my Apostolic Journey to France, I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens, and invoke upon the nation the gifts of peace and joy from Almighty God.
Leo PP. XIV