# Pope Leo XIV heads to France for faith and culture

> The pontiff embarks on his fifth international journey, visiting Paris, Lourdes and Metz to explore Europe's future.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV heads to France for faith and culture | Shortify
- Summary: The pontiff embarks on his fifth international journey, visiting Paris, Lourdes and Metz to explore Europe's future. Pope Leo XIV's France visit signals the…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, france, vatican, paris, lourdes, metz, apostolic journey, catholic church, unesco, europe, papal visit, religion
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/france-pope-leo-xiv-brief-matteo-bruni-holy-see-press-office.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:35:46.983+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, france, vatican, paris, lourdes, metz, apostolic journey, catholic church, unesco, europe, papal visit, religion
## Pope heads to France this fall
Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25 to 28, 2026, his fifth international journey as pontiff. He'll travel to Paris, Lourdes and Metz over four days.
## A meeting with French culture and faith
The Pope will engage with French society, its history, culture and faith, while meeting with authorities, young people and clergy. He'll also visit charity initiatives and UNESCO headquarters.
## French Church sees spiritual growth
The French Church has experienced an increase in baptisms recently, with 13,000 adults baptized at Easter 2026. The Church has also dedicated itself to serving the country's poorest and most vulnerable.
## Pope addresses modern challenges
The Pope will speak to France's questions about society, humanity, life and the relationship with science, technological progress and artificial intelligence. He'll also reference global conflicts.
## UNESCO and Europe's future in focus
The Pope will speak at UNESCO, where the Holy See and the organization are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. In Metz, he'll address Europe's unity, diversity, peace and cultural openness.
## Cardinals join the papal delegation
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Cardinal George Koovakad and Archbishop Filippo Iannone will accompany the Pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin will be at the United Nations instead.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV's France visit signals the Church's engagement with modern challenges like AI, conflict, and European unity while celebrating the French Church's spiritual growth.