French Bishops: There is a spiritual thirst in the country as it awaits the Pope

French bishops say the country is experiencing a great spiritual thirst as it prepares for a visit from Pope Leo XIV from September 25 to 28.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille and President of the French Bishops’ Conference, said he proposed the visit to the Pope early on. During a press conference on September 8, the Cardinal explained that while he believed the Pope wanted to visit France, finding an available date proved difficult. He noted that he was initially told the Pope's schedule was full and that 2026 was too soon for a trip.

The visit became possible after a planned trip to Peru was canceled, creating a one-week opening in the papal schedule. Cardinal Aveline told organizers he would handle the remaining preparations. The bishops noted that the short four-month preparation period required a major organizational effort to secure locations in Paris and arrange a prayer vigil. This trip marks the Pope's fifth international journey and his third visit to a European country.