Apostolic Journey of the Holy Father to France and Visit to the Headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (25–28 September 2026)

Pope Francis began an apostolic journey to France on Friday, September 25, 2026, traveling from Rome to Paris. His schedule for the first day includes a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic at the Élysée Palace, followed by meetings with civil society, diplomatic corps, and government authorities.

The Pope is scheduled to visit the UNESCO headquarters in the afternoon before attending vespers with bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and consecrated men and women at Notre-Dame Cathedral. The day concludes with a prayer vigil for young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

On Saturday, September 26, the Pope will visit the Maison Bakhita Centre for Social Support and Integration and meet with members of the Provincial Synodal Assembly, catechumens, and newly baptized people at the Institut Catholique de Paris. After celebrating Mass at the Place de la Concorde, he will fly to Lourdes to pray at the Grotto of the Apparitions at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The final leg of the trip continues Sunday, September 27, in Lourdes. The Pope will meet with bishops of the French Episcopal Conference at the Saint Bernadette auditorium and celebrate Holy Mass at the Prairie of the Shrine.