# Pope Leo XIV Ends French Apostolic Journey

> Pope Leo XIV completes fifth international trip to France with farewell ceremony in Metz.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV Ends French Apostolic Journey · Vaticannews
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV completes fifth international trip to France with farewell ceremony in Metz. Pope Leo XIV departed France after his fifth apostolic journey…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, apostolic journey, metz, france, vatican news, emmanuel macron, papal plane, papal press conference, pontifical anthem, french national anthem, migration, artificial intelligence
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/pope-leo-xiv-departure-metz-apostolic-journey-france.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-28T17:33:49.724+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, apostolic journey, metz, france, vatican news, emmanuel macron, papal plane, papal press conference, pontifical anthem, french national anthem, migration, artificial intelligence
## Pope Leo XIV departs France
Pope Leo XIV left Metz on Monday evening, September 28, 2026, aboard an Air France flight to Rome.
## Farewell ceremony in Metz
The Pope held a military honors ceremony with French officials and religious leaders at Metz airport.
## Papal plane departure
Pope Leo XIV's plane took off from Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport at 7:30 pm local time and will land in Rome shortly after 9 pm.
## Papal press conference
The Pope will hold a press conference with journalists during the flight to Rome.
## Pope meets Macron
Pope Leo XIV met French President Emmanuel Macron privately at Metz airport before departing.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV departed France after his fifth apostolic journey ending in Metz on 28 September 2026.