Apostolic Journey of the Holy Father Leo XIV to France and Visit to the Headquarters of UNESCO (25-28 September 2026) – Prayer of the Holy Rosary and torchlight procession

Pope Leo XIV presided over a torchlight procession and the recitation of the Rosary at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes during his visit to France. After traveling to the sanctuary by car, the Pope led the faithful in the Sign of the Cross, the Creed, and the Rosary.

During his address, the Pope noted that the gathering responded to the request made by the Virgin Mary to priests through Saint Bernadette for people to come to the sanctuary in procession. He described the light carried by the pilgrims as a symbol of hope during life's trials. The ceremony ended with a prayer, a blessing, and the recitation of the Salve Regina before the Pope returned to the bishop's residence.