# Pope Leo XIV arrives in Lourdes to pray for France

> The pontiff kneels at the Grotto of Massabielle to entreat the Virgin Mary for fraternal harmony and wise leadership in his host country.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV arrives in Lourdes to pray for France | Shortify
- Summary: The pontiff kneels at the Grotto of Massabielle to entreat the Virgin Mary for fraternal harmony and wise leadership in his host country. Pope Leo XIV used…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, lourdes, france, virgin mary, grotto of massabielle, pilgrimage, prayer, immaculate conception, apostolic journey, bernadette soubirous, religion, world
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/in-lourdes-pope-leo-entrusts-france-to-the-virgin-mary.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-26T19:20:22.25+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, lourdes, france, virgin mary, grotto of massabielle, pilgrimage, prayer, immaculate conception, apostolic journey, bernadette soubirous, religion, world
## Pope arrives in Lourdes
Pope Leo XIV landed at Tarbes-Lourdes Airport at 7 p.m. and was greeted by Bishop Jean-Marc Micas. Crowds lined the streets as he traveled through the Pyrenean city toward the shrine.
## Welcomed by the city
Before reaching the shrine, Pope Leo XIV greeted Lourdes mayor Thierry Lavit from a bridge over the Gave de Pau, which was temporarily renamed the Leo XIV Bridge. He unveiled a statue and signed the visitors' book.
## Kneeling at the grotto
Pope Leo XIV knelt at the Grotto of Massabielle, where Saint Bernadette Soubirous saw a lady in white in 1858. He touched the grotto wall and drank water from the spring, following Bernadette's instructions from the Virgin Mary.

> Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself there.
## Prayer for fraternal harmony
Pope Leo XIV prayed for France to receive the gift of fraternal harmony, asking the Virgin Mary to help build a society that banishes violence and hatred. He sought protection for the disadvantaged and poorest among the French people.

> Grant its people the gift of fraternal harmony, so that they may build a harmonious society that banishes all violence and hatred.
## Wise leaders for France
Pope Leo XIV prayed for France to have wise and generous leaders ready to make sacrifices and serve the common good. He asked the Virgin Mary to enlighten French authorities to respond to challenges and support their people.

> Obtain for France wise and generous leaders, ready to make sacrifices, capable of responding to challenges.
## Peace over war
Pope Leo XIV asked the Virgin Mary to help France keep peace within the family of nations and promote human rights globally. He urged French leaders to reject the mentality of war and make France's voice heard for peace worldwide.

> rejecting the mentality of war once and for all.
## Prayers for the sick
Pope Leo XIV gave voice to prayers from pilgrims around the world, especially those who are sick and suffering. He concluded with a golden rose presented to the Virgin Mary, a gesture traditionally reserved for sovereign pontiffs.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV used his pilgrimage to Lourdes to publicly pray for France's unity, peace, and moral leadership on the world stage.