Pope Leo begins landmark French visit focused on AI and Church renewal
Pope Leo is undertaking a state visit to France this weekend, marking the first papal visit to the country in nearly two decades. The journey commenced on Friday, 25 September 2026, with the pontiff's arrival at Paris Orly airport, signalling the start of an itinerary designed to address multiple priorities for the Catholic Church and broader European concerns.
What are the main objectives of this visit?
The Pope's trip serves several interconnected purposes. Foremost among them is an effort to strengthen the Church's credibility and standing within France following a series of abuse scandals that have damaged its reputation domestically. Beyond this institutional focus, Leo will deliver a significant address on artificial intelligence development at Unesco, positioning the Church as a participant in contemporary technological debates. He will also engage with European leaders in Metz to discuss the continent's future direction and challenges.
Which locations will the Pope visit?
The itinerary encompasses several sites of religious and cultural significance. Leo will tour the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, one of Europe's most iconic structures, recently returned to use following its 2019 fire and subsequent reconstruction. He will also travel to Lourdes, one of the world's most visited Catholic pilgrimage destinations, renowned for its shrine and spiritual importance to believers across Europe and beyond.
What happens next?
The Pope's schedule will unfold over the coming days as he progresses through his planned engagements across France. His movements and statements will be closely monitored for signals about the Church's evolving stance on contemporary issues, particularly artificial intelligence governance and European unity. The visit will conclude with his departure from France, after which attention will return to other significant developments across the continent, including ongoing developments in Ukraine and broader European affairs.
