In a secular France, Pope Leo makes the case for faith in public life

Pope Leo XIV argued that religious institutions and the state can collaborate to protect human dignity and the common good during his visit to the Élysée Palace on Sept. 25. Speaking to government officials, civil society leaders, and the diplomatic corps, the pope suggested that France's tradition of secularism, or laïcité, does not require the exclusion of religion from public life or education.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the pope and offered a similar view of the country's secular tradition. Macron stated that French laïcité does not negate religion and ensures the freedom to believe or not believe in both private and public settings. He told Pope Leo that the pope's message would appeal to the conscience of all French people.

The visit is part of a papal apostolic journey to France scheduled from Sept. 25 to Sept. 28. This marks the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years.