Pope Leo XIV arrives in France for four-day historic visit

Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on September 25, 2026, marking his first visit to the country since his election in 2025. The pontiff landed at Orly Airport near Paris, where he was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron. During his flight, the Pope addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, calling for urgent solutions to prevent such emergencies. Following his arrival, he held meetings at the Élysée Palace and visited the Cathedral of Notre-Dame for vespers, becoming the first pontiff to enter the landmark since its 2024 reopening following the 2019 fire.

During his time at the Élysée Palace, President Macron and the Pope discussed international crises and the importance of peace and international law. Macron emphasized that France’s secular nature respects the freedom of religious belief while condemning recent acts of intolerance. The four-day itinerary includes significant events, such as an address to the diplomatic corps, a visit to UNESCO headquarters, and a prayer vigil with youth at the Stade de France. Thousands gathered at Notre-Dame to greet the Pope, reflecting the high public interest in this diplomatic and symbolic mission.