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- Pope Leo XIV begins historic 4-day visit to France (foxnews.com)
Pope Leo XIV commenced his visit to France on Friday, embarking on his fifth Apostolic Journey as the head of the Catholic Church. This four-day trip marks the first formal papal visit to France since Pope Benedict XVI’s 2008 visit, reaffirming the country’s historic nickname as “the eldest daughter of the Church.”
French bishops have framed the visit around the theme “That the world may have life,” coinciding with a notable rise in adult baptisms across the officially secular nation. The Conference of Bishops of France reports that over 21,000 adults, primarily aged 18 to 25, have joined the Church so far this year, signaling renewed interest among younger generations.
Retired Bishop Marc Stenger highlighted the significance of the Pope’s visit, telling Reuters that it has generated a “tidal wave” of enthusiasm. He noted that French Catholics are increasingly vocal about their need for guidance from the Church amid global uncertainties.
Despite this renewed engagement, the Church in France continues to grapple with the legacy of abuse scandals. A 2021 report revealed that approximately 330,000 French children had suffered abuse by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades, with the Church accused of indifference to victims. Bishop Stenger acknowledged the deep wounds inflicted on the Church’s credibility by these revelations.
In a rare and poignant gesture, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo will meet privately with seven victims of abuse during his visit to Lourdes, underscoring a message of healing and openness.
The Vatican describes this pilgrimage as “a journey that unites faith and public engagement, memory and the future, with listening and bridge-building at its heart.” Upon arrival, Pope Leo was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. Throughout the visit, the pontiff is scheduled to deliver 15 speeches, addressing key topics such as the protection of immigrants, care for the sick and unborn, the defense of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence, as well as themes of peace, culture, and unity.
Anticipating massive public interest, organizers for the Pope’s Saturday Mass at Place de la Concorde in Paris expect up to one million attendees. Security measures have been expanded, extending the event perimeter well beyond the famous Champs-Élysées, where the Pope will travel in the Popemobile.
One significant highlight of the journey will be Pope Leo’s Sunday visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a renowned pilgrimage site especially cherished by the sick. The location holds historical resonance, having been visited by Pope John Paul II in 2004, who used the opportunity to denounce abortion and euthanasia.
The visit takes place amid recent national debates in France over sensitive bioethical issues. Earlier this year, legislation was passed allowing adults with incurable illnesses to access lethal medication, following 2024 laws that enshrined abortion as a constitutional right.
On Friday, Pope Leo addressed UNESCO headquarters in Paris, reiterating his call for caution in the development of artificial intelligence. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted the Pope’s emphasis on the fundamental question of what it means to be human in an era of rapid technological change. This stance follows the Pope’s May encyclical warning of AI’s potential dangers, advocating for international regulation-positions that contrast with policies favoring AI advancement in other global powers.
After UNESCO, Pope Leo will lead a prayer service at the recently restored Cathedral of Notre-Dame, marking the first papal visit since the devastating 2019 fire.
The pilgrimage concludes on Monday with a full-day visit to Metz, a symbolic choice as the birthplace of Robert Schuman, a key architect of European unity. The Vatican highlights this setting as an opportunity for the Pope to promote friendship and solidarity among European nations. French Ambassador to the Vatican Charles Personnaz confirmed that President Macron has invited leaders from all 27 European Union member states to attend the event, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly expected to join as well.
Pope Leo XIV’s journey to France emerges as a significant moment of spiritual renewal, public reflection, and dialogue on pressing moral and social issues in a country deeply intertwined with the history of the Catholic Church.
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