Vatican Journey to France
Pope Leo XIV visits France
Pope Leo XIV visited France, traveling from the Stade de France to Lourdes to address the country's identity crisis.
According to reporter Mathilde de Robien for Aleteia, the visit met the expectations of the faithful and appealed to many believers and non-believers through the pope's proximity and gentleness. This follows a recent survey by Aleteia, Famille Chrétienne, and RCF Notre-Dame which indicated that many French people had little or poor knowledge of Pope Leo XIV.
Historian Charles Mercier told La Croix that the pope chose his words carefully when addressing a nation sometimes tempted by narratives of its own decline.
AI-assisted briefing based on the sources below.Sources behind this story
- Reporting“Leo XIV met France like a person”
La Croix
- Reporting@aleteiaenLéon XIV en France, c’est toute une génération qui se lève !
Aleteia · Mathilde de Robien
How the coverage unfolded
- Sep 27, 8:27 AM La Croix Français « Léon XIV a rencontré la France comme une personne »
- Sep 28, 10:29 AM Aleteia Français Léon XIV en France, c’est toute une génération qui se lève !
More on Pope Leo XIV
- Sep 28, 12:01 PM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV to pray rosary for peace in October
- Sep 28, 12:00 PM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV ends apostolic journey to France
- Sep 28, 11:46 AM PT · 3 sources Pope Leo XIV says forgiveness is stronger than vengeance in Metz homily
- Sep 28, 11:46 AM PT Pope Leo XIV leaves Metz and France
- Sep 28, 11:46 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Metz Cathedral
- Sep 28, 11:45 AM PT In Metz, Pope Leo XIV condemns violence in God’s name
- Sep 28, 11:36 AM PT · 8 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, France
- Sep 28, 11:35 AM PT · 7 sources Pope Leo XIV meets with religious leaders in Metz
- Sep 28, 11:32 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV recalls Mary's message at Lourdes
- Sep 28, 11:16 AM PT · 4 sources Pope Leo XIV visits Metz
- Sep 28, 11:01 AM PT · 9 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Paris
- Sep 28, 11:01 AM PT · 6 sources Pope Leo XIV issues message for 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
- Sep 28, 11:00 AM PT · 3 sources Pope Leo XIV to celebrate Holy Mass in Metz
- Sep 28, 10:52 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV advocates for a solidly rooted Europe
- Sep 28, 10:48 AM PT Pope Leo XIV to visit Metz
- Sep 28, 10:47 AM PT · 6 sources Pope Leo XIV says killing the sick is 'false compassion' in Lourdes
- Sep 28, 10:46 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV to speak at Metz
- Sep 28, 10:46 AM PT · 3 sources Pope Leo XIV speaks at interfaith meeting in Metz
- Sep 28, 10:42 AM PT Pope Leo XIV says Europe must defend peace
- Sep 28, 10:40 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Metz
- Sep 28, 10:39 AM PT Metz – Farewell Ceremony, 28 September 2026 – Pope Leo XIV
- Sep 28, 10:37 AM PT Pope Leo XIV departs from Metz, France
- Sep 28, 10:36 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Metz Cathedral
- Sep 28, 10:33 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV ends France visit
- Sep 28, 10:33 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV to visit France
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