May 16, 2026 · Alex Ferrara
Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on an Apostolic Journey to France from September 25 to September 28, 2026. This visit will mark the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years, as announced by the Director of the Holy See Press Office.
The journey is particularly significant, as it will be the first time since Pope Benedict XVI that a Pope has traveled to France on an official visit; Pope Benedict’s last visit occurred in 2008, during which he traveled to Paris and Lourdes.
The forthcoming visit is a response to invitations extended by the French Head of State, ecclesiastical authorities in France, and the Director-General of UNESCO. During the journey, the Pope will visit UNESCO’s headquarters, reflecting the Vatican’s engagement with global cultural and educational initiatives.
Pope Leo XIV and French President Emmanuel Macron met on April 10, 2026, marking the first encounter between the two since the pontiff's election. This meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic and cultural relations between the Vatican and France.
