# Pope Leo XIV: France Journey Symbolizes Rebirth

> Pope Leo XIV links France's Notre-Dame cathedral rebirth to global renewal and peace.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV: France Journey Symbolizes Rebirth · Vaticannews
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV links France's Notre-Dame cathedral rebirth to global renewal and peace. Pope Leo XIV says France's Notre-Dame cathedral restoration symbolizes…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, notre dame, apostolic journey, france, rebirth, peace, europa, lourdes, metz, rosary, martyrs, seminarians
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/pope-leo-apostolic-journey-france-rebirth-faith-peace-life-paris.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-30T09:01:16.428+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, notre dame, apostolic journey, france, rebirth, peace, europa, lourdes, metz, rosary, martyrs, seminarians
## Pope Leo XIV's France Journey
Pope Leo XIV visited Paris, Lourdes, and Metz during his Apostolic Journey to France from September 25 to 28, 2026.
## Notre-Dame Cathedral Rebirth
Pope Leo XIV described Notre-Dame's fire in April 2019 and restoration as a 'sign of rebirth' for his entire Apostolic Journey.
## Synergy for Common Good
Pope Leo XIV emphasized collaboration between the Church, state, and civil society during Notre-Dame's restoration as 'synergy for the common good'.
## Church as Living Stones
Pope Leo XIV linked Notre-Dame's rebirth to the 'unforgettable' prayer vigil with 80,000 young people in Paris.
## Hope in Migrants and Youth
Pope Leo XIV highlighted Maison Bakhita, a migrant welcome center, and rising baptisms as signs of renewal in France.
## Lourdes: Hope for the Sick
Pope Leo XIV stressed that every human life, even in extreme frailty, deserves care and dignity in Lourdes.
## Metz: Post-War Rebirth
Pope Leo XIV connected Metz's post-WWII history to Europe's rebirth through peace and solidarity after war.
## Martyrs of 1944
Pope Leo XIV mentioned beatification of three priests killed by Nazis in 1944 as a symbol of courage for Christians.
## Rosary for Peace
Pope Leo XIV urged praying the rosary for peace during October as part of his France journey.
## Final Message
Pope Leo XIV concluded his journey with hope for 'abundant and lasting fruit' and a call not to hide faith.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV says France's Notre-Dame cathedral restoration symbolizes rebirth and hope for Europe after war.