Pope Leo XIV to Make First Apostolic Journey to France in 18 Years Starting September 25
Pope Leo XIV will travel to France from September 25 to 28, 2026, in the first papal state visit to the country in 18 years. The trip includes a stop at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and comes as the first American pope continues to build his international profile.
Pope Leo XIV will travel to France from September 25 to 28, 2026, the Holy See Press Office announced, marking the first official papal state visit to France since Pope Benedict XVI's 2008 journey.
The trip is scheduled to include a visit to the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris. The Vatican has not yet released a full itinerary for the four-day journey.
Leo XIV, the first American pope, has maintained an active international schedule since his election. In September, he has been conducting a series of general audiences at St. Peter's Square focused on the Second Vatican Council's pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes.
On September 9, the Pope addressed the dignity of the human person, describing it as a gift from God that transcends a person's abilities, wealth, or status. He highlighted intelligence, conscience, and freedom as key expressions of that dignity.
On September 11, the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Leo XIV called for a renewed commitment to peace.
Earlier in September, the Pope designated his prayer intention for the month to the "care of water," noting that one in four people globally lack access to safe drinking water. He urged the faithful to denounce waste and pollution and to defend water as a universal right.
The France visit will be closely watched by Catholic communities worldwide, particularly given the country's complex relationship with the Church and its historically secular political culture.
