Pope Leo XIV is traveling to France for the first time in nearly two decades
Pope Leo XIV will make an official visit to France in September, marking the first such trip by a Vatican leader to the country in nearly 20 years. The visit is already being described as symbolic and significant for both Catholics and European diplomacy. This is according to Politico.
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a trip to France, which will take place from September 25 to 28 and will be the first official state visit by a Vatican leader to the country in nearly two decades, immediately underscoring not only the ecclesiastical but also the political significance of the upcoming event.
The Holy See explained that the visit was organized in response to an invitation from the French government, church authorities, and the Director-General of UNESCO, meaning this is a coordinated international initiative that has brought together several influential parties.
French President Emmanuel Macron publicly welcomed the Pope’s decision to visit the country, emphasizing that it would be an honor for France, an important event for Catholics, and a symbolic moment of hope for a society going through difficult times. “We are delighted that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has confirmed his trip to France. This visit next September will be an honor for our country, a joy for Catholics, and a great moment of hope for everyone,” the French leader stated.
As noted, Pope Leo XIV, who is the first American to hold the papal throne, has recently been at the center of international attention also due to political statements, particularly criticism from Donald Trump following his anti-war stance on Iran.
It is separately emphasized that the trip to France, as well as the previously announced visit to Spain, demonstrate the Vatican’s active desire to restore and strengthen ties with European countries where Catholic tradition is combined with a modern secular system, and this course may become one of the key directions of the Holy See’s foreign policy in the near future.
Pope Leo XIV condemned the rise in military spending in Europe, stating that large-scale rearmament exacerbates global tensions and undermines diplomatic efforts.
Trump criticized the Pope over foreign policy issues.
The Pope mentioned the Ukrainian people during his Easter greeting.
