Pope's French journey includes migrant center

Pope Leo XIV will visit Maison Bakhita in Paris on September 26 during his apostolic journey to France from September 25 to 28, 2026.

Pope Francis called for migrant welcome

In 2017, Pope Francis urged the world to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants as a duty of justice, civility and solidarity.

“to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate”

Paris archdiocese answered the call

Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, then Archbishop of Paris, worked with diocesan partners to create a center fulfilling this mission of migrant support.

Maison Bakhita opened in 2021

The center opened in Paris's 18th district to welcome migrants, support their integration, and connect them with local residents.

Personal connection changes perception

Meeting migrants face-to-face with their stories transforms how people view them, unlike statistics that lack human faces.

“When you're face-to-face with a person who has a name, a story, a child in their arms, we're convinced that this completely changes the way migrants are seen”

Pope's visit brings excitement and joy

The visit is an immense surprise for staff and volunteers. Those unable to attend are writing letters and prayers to present to the Pope.

Church shows commitment to migrants

The Pope's visit demonstrates the Church's ongoing dedication to helping migrants live decently and welcoming them, especially amid growing fear of foreigners.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me”

Three-part mission serves migrants

Maison Bakhita supports Church actors helping migrants, offers 30+ integration activities like French classes and job assistance, and facilitates local-migrant connections.

Center trained 400 volunteers since 2021

The Maison has welcomed 2,800 people from 84 nationalities and works with 100 volunteers and 10 operational partners to deliver services.

Faith anchors the community

Two Scalabrinian sisters provide spiritual support through weekly Mass and prayer. The center welcomes people of all faiths, including Muslims grateful for a faith-centered home.

Saint Bakhita inspires the mission

Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman enslaved as a child who found faith and strength, represents the resilience and forgiveness the center embodies.

African saint represents Global South

Naming the center after Saint Bakhita gives a face to the Global South, reflecting the backgrounds of many migrants the Maison welcomes.

Pope's visit offers hope and light

The visit is expected to help people reflect on welcoming migrants and bring a message of peace and light to those in need.