Pope Leo XIV to Make First Official Papal Visit to France in 18 Years

Vatican City, May 16, 2026: Pope Leo XIV will undertake an Apostolic Journey to France from 25 to 28 September 2026, marking the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years, the Holy See Press Office has announced.

The visit follows invitations extended by the French Head of State, Church authorities in France, and the Director-General of UNESCO.

As part of the four-day journey, Pope Leo XIV will visit UNESCO headquarters, underlining the Vatican’s continued engagement with international institutions and cultural dialogue.

The last official papal state visit to France took place in 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI travelled to Paris and Lourdes.

The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic and ecclesiastical ties between the Vatican and France. Pope Leo XIV met French President Emmanuel Macron on 10 April this year in their first meeting since the pontiff’s election to the Chair of St Peter.

Macron has maintained regular contact with the Vatican during his presidency, having previously met Pope Francis on several occasions and held discussions with Church leaders over recent years.

The September visit is expected to strengthen relations between the Holy See and France while highlighting the Church’s role in international cooperation and cultural engagement.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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