Pope Leo XIV Begins Four-Day Visit to France

Pope Leo XIV arrived in France for a four-day visit, marking his first major papal trip to the country with stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz.

Key points

• Pope Leo XIV was received at Paris-Orly airport by French President Emmanuel Macron.
• The itinerary includes addresses at the Elysee Palace and UNESCO, as well as a large gathering at the Stade de France and a mass on the Place de la Concorde.
• Key themes of the visit include artificial intelligence regulation, the migrant crisis, and the Catholic Church's handling of sexual violence.

Why it matters

This rare and high-profile papal visit addresses critical socio-ethical issues and holds significant religious and diplomatic weight for France and the wider European Union.