Pope Leo XIV concluded his fifth apostolic journey on a Monday evening, landing at Rome’s airport at 20:53 local time aboard an aircraft carrying accredited journalists following a multi-city tour of France under the motto “That the world may have life.”
Itinerary Across Paris, Lourdes, and Metz
The four-day papal visit, which spanned September 25 to 28, brought the pontiff to Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. In the French capital, Pope Leo XIV met with state officials and young people at the Sendenī stadium, and visited the Cathedral of Notre-Dame to pray alongside bishops, priests, and consecrated persons. A gathering took place at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, where 800,000 the faithful attended Holy Mass.
Following the Paris liturgy, the Holy Father traveled to Lourdes, spending his entire next day there. At the Grotto of the Appearance of Our Lady, he prayed for France, took part in the recitation of the Rosary, and joined a candle procession. During Mass in Lourdes, the pope urged believers to dedicate the month of October to penance and prayers for world peace. He also met with survivors of clerical sexual abuse during the itinerary.
Interfaith Gathering and European Heritage in Metz
On the fourth day of the tour, the pontiff traveled to Metz to participate in an interfaith meeting. Speaking in the city of Robert Schuman, Pope Leo XIV emphasized Europe’s Christian roots and used a homily inside Metz Cathedral to urge communities to overcome the logic of resentment and revenge.
Key Details of the Papal Journey
- Dates: September 25–28.
- Motto: “That the world may have life.”
- Locations Visited: Paris, Lourdes, and Metz.
- Major Events: Mass at the Place de la Concorde with 800,000 attendees, prayer at the Grotto of the Appearance of Our Lady, an interfaith meeting in Metz, and meetings with abuse survivors.
Pope Leo XIV visits Paris, Lourdes and Metz
Which cities were included in the September itinerary?
The four-day trip included stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz.
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