Archdiocese of Avignon

History

Named for the prefecture of Avignon, the Archdiocese of Avignon (Latin: Archidioecesis Avenionensis; French: Archidiocèse d'Avignon) is a Latin archdiocese of the Catholic Church in France whose jurisdiction corresponds to the department of Vaucluse, in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Since January 2021 it has been led by Archbishop Georges Pontier, called out of retirement by Pope Francis to serve as Apostolic Administrator.

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• Pope Leo XIV recites Angelus prayer in Lourdes

  Pope Leo XIV recited the Angelus prayer with pilgrims and the faithful at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes following a Holy Mass held in the sanctuary's meadow. During his introduction to the prayer, the Pope invited all Christian communities and the faithful to pray the Rosary throughout October. He requested that these prayers specifically seek an end to wars and the establishment of peace between conflicting peoples. He also encouraged people to support this prayer through acts of mercy, penance, and a commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.

  Sep 28, 2026 · Vatican · 12 sources

• Pope Leo XIV leads candlelight rosary procession in Lourdes

  Pope Leo XIV led tens of thousands of pilgrims in a candlelight Rosary procession at the Marian shrine of Lourdes on September 27, 2026. The procession marked the conclusion of the Pope's three-day apostolic journey to France. Walking behind an illuminated statue of the Virgin Mary, the Pope held a large candle in his right hand and a Rosary in his left. During the event, pilgrims prayed five decades of the glorious mysteries in multiple languages. As the Lourdes hymn "Ave Maria" was sung between mysteries, participants in the square before the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary lifted their candles to create a sea of lights. In his address, the Pope described himself as a pilgrim among pilgrims and stated the gathering was a response to the request Our Lady made to priests through Saint Bernadette to hold processions. He encouraged the faithful to entrust their personal intentions and the intentions of the world to the Virgin Mary. He also noted that sick individuals serve as witnesses to how faith and love can transform life.

  Sep 28, 2026 · Vatican · 9 sources

• Pope Leo XIV meets 150,000 at Lourdes

  Pope Leo XIV met with approximately 150,000 people during a visit to Lourdes on Sunday, September 27. After celebrating a large Mass on the Prairie, the pope visited the Accueil Notre-Dame to meet with sick and disabled people, their caregivers, and hospital volunteers.

  Sep 27, 2026 · Vatican · 4 sources

• Pope Leo XIV delivers homily at Lourdes

  Pope Leo XIV called for conversion and repentance during a Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday, 27 September. Speaking from the sanctuary's meadow during the third day of his apostolic journey to France, the pope described the Massabielle Grotto as a sanctuary of Christian hope in response to euthanasia laws. The pope addressed the sick, stating they hold a special place in the heart of the Church and that their ministry is indispensable. He noted that the liturgical readings for the day reflect the central message the Virgin Mary gave to Saint Bernadette: a gentle but pressing call to conversion. During his homily, the pope welcomed pilgrims from France and around the world, noting that their gathering represents the universal face of the Church. He encouraged those from French dioceses to carry the comfort of Lourdes back to their homes, parishes, and neighbors. He also called for necessary conversion from everyone, beginning with the Catholic Church.

  Sep 27, 2026 · Vatican · 4 sources

• Pope Leo XIV prays at Lourdes grotto

  Pope Leo XIV held a public moment of prayer at the Massabielle grotto in Lourdes on Saturday, September 26. The visit marked the start of the second stage of his apostolic journey in France, following his time in Paris. After arriving in Lourdes, the pope met with civil and religious authorities and inaugurated a bridge named in his honor. He arrived at the grotto to pray, where he followed pilgrimage customs such as lighting a candle and using the water. In a prayer released by the Archdiocese of Avignon, the pope asked for the protection of France and for its people to experience fraternal harmony and peace. He prayed for the country to reject violence and war, for the defense of human rights, and for the support of the poor. He also asked for wise and generous leaders who serve the common good and for the renewal of faith within Christian families.

  Sep 27, 2026 · Vatican · 4 sources

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