Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to make an Apostolic Journey to France from September 25–28, 2026, in what will be his first official papal visit to the country. The trip is expected to include stops in both Paris and Lourdes, according to Vatican and French Church officials.

One of the major highlights of the journey will be the Pope’s visit to Notre-Dame de Paris, where he is expected to celebrate Mᴀss in the restored cathedral that reopened after years of reconstruction following the devastating 2019 fire. The visit is being viewed as a powerful symbol of renewal, faith, and cultural heritage.

The itinerary is also expected to include a visit to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. French bishops have indicated that Lourdes remains a key part of the planned program, reflecting the shrine’s significance for prayer, healing, and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

In Paris, Pope Leo XIV is also scheduled to visit the headquarters of UNESCO, where he is expected to address themes such as education, culture, human dignity, dialogue, and peace. Vatican observers see this stop as consistent with the Pope’s frequent emphasis on the relationship between faith, ethics, technology, and global cooperation.

The journey will mark the first official papal state visit to France in 18 years, drawing significant attention from both Church and civic leaders. Preparations are already underway as French Catholics anticipate large pilgrimages, public liturgies, and encounters with the Pope during the four-day visit.

For many faithful, the combination of Lourdes and Paris reflects two important dimensions of Pope Leo XIV’s ministry: spiritual renewal through prayer and pilgrimage, and engagement with the cultural and intellectual challenges facing the modern world.