The Church in France

The Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference condemned the recent attack on a police compound in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Bishop Samson Shukardin, president of the conference, expressed condolences to the families of the 21 people killed and the 103 others wounded during the violence.

The attack began Friday when a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a complex in Kohat, near the border with Afghanistan. Gunmen followed the vehicle, targeting the compound which houses the Counter Terrorism Department and living quarters for officers. The coordinated assault occurred during Friday prayers, resulting in deaths and injuries among both police officers and worshippers. Security forces ended the standoff with the militants on Saturday.

Bishop Shukardin stated that the terrorists' actions were against humanity and noted that places of prayer should be safe environments for people seeking peace. He added that Pakistan continues to suffer significantly from terrorism and various disasters.

Donald Trump announced on Friday, September 18, that he reached a new security agreement to establish permanent security control over Greenland. He is scheduled to sign the agreement in New York during the United Nations assembly.

The Diocese of Limoges has released a game booklet for children to prepare for the visit of Pope Leo XIV to France. The booklet includes games and information to help children learn about the Pope and the reasons for his visit.

The publication highlights the Pope's message regarding the first commandment to love one another, as found in the Gospel of John. It also notes his calls for world leaders to work for the common good and for peace to prevail. The diocese made the booklet available for immediate download or printing.

The Archdiocese of Bourges will host a conference on St. Francis of Assisi on October 15 at Salle Régina in Déols.

The Archdiocese of Bourges will host a conference on St. Francis of Assisi on October 15 at Salle Régina in Déols.

The Diocese of Nancy will hold an event at the Sanctuary of Sion on Sunday, October 4.

Bishop Marc Aillet of Bayonne issued a communiqué on September 19, 2026.

Many faithful gathered at the Saint Joseph chapel of the Slovenian Catholic Mission of Freyming-Merlebach on Sunday, September 13, 2026, to resume the community's continuous days.

The Diocese of Nice has launched the Chantiers d’églises 2026-2027 campaign to fund the preservation and renovation of local churches. The campaign supports specific construction projects intended to maintain these buildings as centers for prayer and parish life.

In Menton, the Église du Sacré-Cœur will undergo renovations to repair paintings, strengthen a weakened vault, update electrical installations and lighting, and secure urgent stained glass. The diocese expects these repairs to be completed by September 2026.

The campaign also funds a project for the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc in Antibes. This building has been closed since 2010 due to safety concerns. The planned work will secure the structure, rebuild the choir, improve accessibility, and create a meeting room for the Saint-Armentaire parish.

Bishop Philippe Ballot celebrated the jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi on September 12, 2026, at the Notre-Dame de Bonne-Fontaine sanctuary near Danne-et-Quatre-Vents in the Phalsbourg deanery.

Children, youth, and families gathered with catechists at Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Church in Morhange on September 13, 2026, to celebrate the start of the new pastoral year.

Twenty-two young people from the Vigy archpriesthood gathered at the Rabas chapel on September 12, 2026, to personally renew their baptismal vows.

The Saint-François parish in Stiring-Wendel held a mass to mark the start of the new school year on September 12, 2026, for a large group of parishioners.

Bishop Jean-Yves Nahmias blessed and installed three new bells in the bell tower of Saint-Colomban Church on Friday, September 18, 2026. The bells were cast in June at the Paccard foundry near Annecy.

Approximately 200 people attended the blessing ceremony. The installation concludes a project that has been in development for several years and will serve the parish and the Val d'Europe area.

Bishop Albert Rouet celebrated 40 years of serving as a bishop during a Mass held on Sunday, September 6, according to the Archdiocese of Poitiers.

All church bells in France will ring to welcome Pope Leo XIV to the country on Friday, September 25, according to the Diocese of Limoges.

The Diocese of Saint-Denis is organizing a gathering of prayer and fellowship on Friday, September 25, 2026, ahead of the Pope's visit to the Stade de France. The event begins at 15h30 at the Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica.

Participants will engage in praise, dance, testimonies, and prayer centered on the theme "That the world may have life." At 16h30, the group will march from the basilica toward the stadium, where doors are scheduled to open at 17h30 for the evening vigil with the Pope. The diocese is seeking singers and musicians to lead the music during the prayer session. Items featuring the Pope's image, such as hats and fabric goods, will be available for purchase before the march begins.

The Diocese of Luçon will hold a diocesan gathering in St. Laurent-sur-Sèvre on September 19 to mark the 30th anniversary of St. John Paul II's visit to Vendée.

The Archdiocese of Avignon blessed an oratory in Savoillan on September 12, 2026, which houses a statue of Saint Gens that was found.

The Archdiocese of Rennes announced that the INIAVE will succeed the INIRR in addressing sexual violence within the Church.

Dr. Jean-Paul Perez has launched a new bioethics program on Radio Présence. The former hospital doctor will appear on the radio every 15 days to discuss topics such as illness, artificial intelligence, and the beginning and end of life.

Dr. Perez developed his interest in end-of-life issues while working in intensive care services. He intends to address these subjects because bioethics affects everyone through their shared life and conscience.

The Diocese of Séez is seeking a part-time housekeeper for the Sanctuary of Alençon. The position is available as soon as possible through a fixed-term contract ending December 31, 2026.

Archbishop Pascal Delannoy issued a pastoral letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Strasbourg on September 13, 2026.

CCFD-Terre Solidaire Alsace will host an event celebrating 65 years of international solidarity on Saturday, October 10, in Huttenheim.

The Diocese of Saint-Denis youth department organized a night of prayer, praise, and adoration for people aged 18 to 35 on Saturday, September 12. The event took place at the Notre-Dame de Lourdes church in Pavillons-sous-Bois as part of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges pilgrimage.

The evening included testimonies and adoration led by the KaleoJoy group. Some participants stayed overnight outdoors at the church before walking together to the sanctuary of Notre-Dame-des-Anges.

The Cercle Alsacien Charles et Zita will host two spiritual days open to all couples and families.

The Archdiocese of Albi is recruiting a part-time parish accountant and secretary for the Sainte Émilie de Villeneuve parish in Castres. The position is a permanent contract requiring 32 hours of work per week.

The Diocese of Perpignan-Elne will host a spiritual evening titled Pluie de Roses at Saint Jean Baptiste Cathedral on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Organized by members of CHARIS 66, the event brings together various new communities and prayer groups from the diocese, including L'Emmanuel, Les Béatitudes, La Croix glorieuse, the SHALOM community, and the communauté des petites sœurs pauvres de Jésus.

The evening features the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a Doctor of the Church and patroness of missions. Father Denis Broussat will lead a reflection on the life of the saint during a program that includes praise, prayer, adoration, and the veneration of the relics. Attendees may also participate in the sacrament of reconciliation or prayer for others.

Participants can write letters requesting graces through the intercession of Saint Thérèse. These letters, placed in stamped envelopes with the sender's address, will be collected in a basket before the altar and taken to the Carmel of Vinça. For one year, the Carmelite sisters there will present these letters to Jesus through their prayers.

The Diocese of Saint-Etienne and the Villars Center for Social Action (CCAS) have signed a partnership to combat loneliness among elderly residents in Villars. Through this agreement, volunteers from the Hospitalité diocésaine de Saint-Etienne and the Bienheureux Antoine Chevrier parish will visit seniors at their homes or at the Les Marronniers residence.

The volunteers, including members of the Sainte Bernadette group, are trained in active listening and kindness to build trust with residents. These visits are free and do not require a long-term commitment. To ensure safety, volunteers are tasked with alerting the CCAS or emergency services if they encounter a difficult situation or a resident in need.

The CCAS manages the program by centralizing requests, sharing information with volunteers, and promoting the service to local seniors. The center also provides a room for the annual lottery organized by the Hospitaliers. This partnership is renewable every year.

The Diocese of Nice will host a relic of the heart of Saint Jean-Marie Vianney from September 25 to October 9, 2026. The relic of the patron saint of priests will travel to various parishes and pastoral communities throughout the diocese for veneration.

The Diocese of Nice has made a program available for those wishing to see the itinerary of the relic. Interested individuals can contact their local parish or the diocesan secretariat for information and registration.

Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, known as the Curé d’Ars, was canonized in 1925. He is recognized as a patron of reconciliation, comfort, and priestly vocations.

The Diocese of Vannes has released the September 2026 issue of its publication, Chrétiens en Morbihan n°1561.

The issue covers several diocesan updates, including profiles of five men following diaconal ordinations held on September 13. Other featured content includes a report on the rebirth of the Saint Anne brotherhood during the 401st Grand Pardon of Saint Anne, a study on the use of chants in liturgical processions, and a look at painted decorations on walls and furniture within Church heritage sites.

Additional sections in the publication cover new programs for the 2026-2027 year at the Athénée, the Ta Biblia series of eight evenings regarding the history of God, and the Festi’Jeunes "Osons la rencontre" event. The issue also includes a prayer for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV in France.

Bishop Benoît Bertrand has invited doctors and health professionals in Val-d’Oise to a prayer evening and Mass on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The event will take place at 20h at the Notre-Dame-des-Champs chapel in Taverny.

The Diocese of Pontoise organized the gathering to honor Saint Luc, the patron saint of physicians and caregivers. The invitation extends to nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, psychologists, and all workers in the healthcare field. Bishop Bertrand will preside over the Mass, which serves to give thanks for the mission of caregivers and to pray for the sick and the ethical challenges faced in medical professions.

Following the celebration, participants will attend a cocktail and a discussion centered on the theme of living for God in the world so that the world opens to God. The gathering aims to help healthcare workers meet, share their daily experiences, and strengthen connections within the diocese.

The Archdiocese of Avignon is hosting a back-to-school retreat focused on prayer at Notre Dame de Sainte Garde in the village of Saint Didier.

Father Bernard Minvielle and Dorle Merchiers will lead the retreat. The program is designed for those who find prayer both attractive and intimidating, offering a space to discuss difficulties and seek encouragement through the teachings of the Carmelite masters. Participants will explore the spiritual journey of friendship with God.

The diocese has posted a detailed program on its website.

The Archdiocese of Avignon will host a theater evening on Sunday, September 20, at Notre Dame de Saint Garde. The Troupe du Parvis will perform a one-act play titled Les Querelleurs ou le Triomphe de Saint-Siffrein, and no reservations are required.

Bishop Denis Moutel admitted Kilton Prospira and Ramirez Pascal as candidates for the priesthood during a Mass on Friday, September 11, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Saint-Yves diocesan house chapel in Saint-Brieuc.

Both men are members of the Society of Missionary Priests of Saint-James in Guiclan and are currently studying at the Saint-Yves Seminary in Rennes. The rite of admission is used for seminarians who intend to be ordained and is typically held during the second cycle of seminary studies.

During the homily, Bishop Moutel stated that the Church recognizes the candidates' commitment to the Gospel is strong enough to continue their formation. The celebration included diocesan priests, seminary members, and parishioners from the local communities where the candidates are currently serving.

Arnaud Favart, a priest of the Mission de France and the delegate for rural mission for the Conference of Bishops, shared reflections on the relationship between artificial intelligence and the agricultural sector.

In articles published in La Croix on August 8 and 9, Favart connected technological developments with his experiences in the farming world. He addressed challenges such as water usage and wildfires to suggest that the agricultural world encourages a need for slowness. Favart uses these topics to prompt discussion regarding how society manages time and how people inhabit the world.

The Diocese of Saint-Claude announced the death of Father Jacques Fouchard, a canon.

His funeral service will take place at 14h30 on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole. He will be buried in the priests' vault at the Dole Nord cemetery.

The Diocese of Saint-Denis is organizing a march to the Stade de France on September 25, 2026, for those registered to attend the vigil with the Pope.

Participants will meet at the Saint-Denis Basilica at 15h30 for prayer and praise. The group will walk toward the stadium at 16h30, and the stadium doors will open at 17h30. The diocese stated the walk is a way to show joy in welcoming the Pope to France and the Seine-Saint-Denis region.

The Diocese of Saint-Brieuc will host a live musical storytelling performance about the lives of Claude-Toussaint Marot and Marguerite-Marie Piquet de la Motte, known as the La Garaye spouses, on November 7, 2026. Titled "Voyez comme ils s’aiment," the traveling show will take place at 20h at the Saint-Yves Church in Lannion.

Written and narrated by Isabelle Collet with music by the diocesan group Avelig, the performance retraces the lives of the couple, who were known as the charitable spouses during the 18th century. The event is organized by the Lannion pastoral zone and is open to the public with free participation.

The performance follows the conclusion of diocesan investigations into the couple, which ended on April 12, 2026, at Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Saint-Brieuc. Bishop Denis Moutel originally opened the canonical inquiries for their beatification and canonization in Dinan on September 22, 2024. These investigations have now moved to the Vatican.

The Archdiocese of Rennes is proposing a reflection group based on a communal reading of the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.

The Archdiocese of Rouen launched a new catechism year on September 16, 2026, bringing together children, families, and catechists at Sainte-Thérèse du Madrillet church.

Cardinal François Bustillo has released the third volume of his book, Carnets corses, which is now available in bookstores.

The Sainte-Sérène du Billeron parish community in the Diocese of Metz issued a statement following the desecration of graves at the Maizières-lès-Metz cemetery.

The Archdiocese of Strasbourg has opened registration for the Baptized Path in several pioneering deaneries.

The Diocese of Aire et Dax will host a concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, at the church in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax to support the association Une école, un toit, des papiers.

The Archdiocese of Rouen installed Father Patrice Lièvre as the priest in charge of the Saint-Jacques de la Béthune parish in Aliermont on Saturday, September 12.

Father Bréant has become the new priest of the Saint-Ouen d’Offranville – Pointe d’Ailly parish, according to the Archdiocese of Rouen.

The Bishop installed Alexis Germon at the Holy Apostles Parish in Amiens.

The Diocese of Nice is continuing its efforts to raise funds to reopen the Sacré-Cœur de Menton church. The building has been closed for several months due to major construction work.

The Notre-Dame-des-Rencontres parish and local parishioners are working to secure the donations needed to complete the repairs. According to the parish, the reopening of the church depends on the continued support of donors.

Bishop Le Stang of Amiens published an editorial for the start of the new school year.

The Diocese of Saint-Flour published its 2026 new year pastoral letter addressed to all diocesan pastoral workers, laity, priests, deacons, and consecrated persons.

The Archdiocese of Rouen released a CD titled Father Jacques Hamel in Acts and Words to commemorate and transmit his memory.

The Archdiocese of Rouen published announcements for the Saint Pierre d’Yvetot – Terre de Caux parish for the week of September 11 to 20, 2026.

Magdalena Andersson leads the left in Sweden's legislative elections following the vote on September 13, narrowly ahead of conservative Ulf Kristersson. La Croix reports that no clear winner emerged, leaving the formation of the next government uncertain.

Bishop Xavier Malle delivered a homily to mark the 40th anniversary of the consecration of the Notre-Dame de la Laure de Montmorin chapel.

Bishop Xavier Malle blessed the restored Notre-Dame des prés chapel in the hamlet of La Montagne de Montmaur on September 12, 2026.

The Diocese of Metz held its annual Mass for sick people and their caregivers through the intercession of Venerable Robert Schuman. The Diocese has held this Mass every year since the Saint-Benoît Institute first proposed the idea in 2018.

The Archdiocese of Rouen held gatherings on July 25 and 26 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of an assassination.

Bishop Philippe Ballot of Metz blessed farmers and their tractors on Sunday morning, September 13, at the Place d'Armes. A delegation of farmers from all regions of France participated in the ceremony.

The Archdiocese of Avignon is hosting a back to school retreat at Notre Dame de Sainte Garde. The program features Dorle Merchiers and Father Bernard Minvielle.