Pope Leo XIV arrives in France for a four-day official visit

Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on September 25, 2026, marking his first visit to the country since his election in 2025. The American pontiff landed at Orly Airport near Paris shortly before 10:00 a.m., where he was officially welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron. This historic visit is scheduled to last four days and carries significant political and symbolic weight.

During the flight, the Pope addressed the humanitarian crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, describing it as an urgent situation that requires collective action to prevent future emergencies. The Pope’s busy schedule in France includes a speech at the Élysée Palace, a visit to UNESCO headquarters, a vesper service at Notre-Dame Cathedral, an evening prayer vigil with youth at the Stade de France, and a large outdoor mass.

This trip is centered on the Pope's stated mission to promote peace and address critical global issues. He is expected to hold high-level discussions with the French leadership, reflecting his active engagement in European and international diplomatic affairs.