French prefect bans FSSPX processions in Lourdes

The prefect of Hautes-Pyrénées, Sibylle Samoyault, banned two religious processions planned by the Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) for the weekend of October 24 and 25, 2026, in Lourdes. The administrative order, signed on October 20, prevents the group from using public streets for these events.

Samoyault cited the current terrorist alert level in France, the expected high number of participants, and a lack of police personnel to ensure security. These processions were part of the Christ the King pilgrimage, which had already modified its schedule after Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes withdrew authorization for the FSSPX to hold public worship services inside the Lourdes shrine.

The FSSPX had officially notified the prefecture of the two planned processions on August 27 through Loïc Duverger. The first was scheduled for Saturday, October 24, and the second for Sunday, October 25.