Pope Leo XIV Begins First State Visit to France in 18 Years
The pontiff arrives in Paris amid high security and a packed schedule addressing AI, abuse, and Europe's future.
The pontiff arrives in Paris amid high security and a packed schedule addressing AI, abuse, and Europe's future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- Pope Leo XIV has arrived in France for the Vatican's first state visit to the European nation in 18 years.
- During his four-day trip, Pope Leo is expected to deliver a landmark speech on artificial intelligence development at UNESCO.
- The visit has generated significant public interest, with some 600,000 people registered to attend the outdoor Mass at the Place de la Concorde.
- [theguardian.
Arrival in Paris and Security Preparations
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in France for the Vatican's first state visit to the European nation in 18 years. The pontiff touched down at Paris Orly airport on Friday, 25 September 2026, after departing from Rome's Fiumicino Airport. President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte were present on the tarmac to greet the 71-year-old pope.
The visit has prompted a massive security operation in Paris, with approximately 14,000 police officers, gendarmes, and military personnel, along with 2,500 firefighters, deployed to oversee the event. Security measures are particularly intense for the outdoor Mass at the Place de la Concorde scheduled for the following day.
Key Topics: AI, Abuse, and European Unity
During his four-day trip, Pope Leo is expected to deliver a landmark speech on artificial intelligence development at UNESCO. The visit also comes at a time when the Catholic Church in France is seeking to repair its standing following clerical abuse scandals.
The pontiff will travel to the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Catholic shrine in Lourdes. He will also visit Metz, a city on the German border central to the founding of the European Union, where he is expected to discuss Europe's future with other European leaders.
Public Interest and Political Context
The visit has generated significant public interest, with some 600,000 people registered to attend the outdoor Mass at the Place de la Concorde. The event is expected to draw large crowds down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
The trip is notable for occurring just seven months before France's presidential election, a timing that is unusual for papal visits. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, is expected to address a range of issues, including the dangers of AI and the migration crisis.
Sources and context
theguardian.com — Pope Leo visits France for first papal visit in 18 years – Europe live
france24.com — Live: Pope heads to France on first state visit in 18 years
