# Pope Leo's first day in France

> The pontiff meets Macron, visits UNESCO, and draws 80,000 young people to a prayer vigil.
- Title: Pope Leo's first day in France · Vaticannews | Shortify
- Summary: The pontiff meets Macron, visits UNESCO, and draws 80,000 young people to a prayer vigil. Pope Leo XIV began his apostolic journey to France with…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, france, apostolic journey, emmanuel macron, unesco, notre dame, prayer vigil, vatican, religion, world, Pope, Leo's
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/highlights-pope-leo-first-day-in-france-apostolic-journey.html
- Published: 2026-09-25T22:55:28.563+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, france, apostolic journey, emmanuel macron, unesco, notre dame, prayer vigil, vatican, religion, world
## Pope Leo arrives in France
Pope Leo XIV began his apostolic journey to France on September 26, 2026, with a packed schedule of official meetings and religious events.
## Meeting with President Macron
Pope Leo met with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of his first day itinerary, signaling strong diplomatic ties between the Vatican and France.
## UNESCO visit highlights culture
The Pope visited UNESCO, emphasizing the Church's commitment to cultural preservation and dialogue with international organizations.
## Vespers at Notre Dame
Pope Leo presided over vespers at Notre Dame Cathedral, one of France's most iconic religious sites.
## 80,000 young people gather
Pope Leo led a prayer vigil with approximately 80,000 young people in France's largest stadium, drawing massive youth participation.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV began his apostolic journey to France with high-profile meetings and a massive youth gathering.