Pope Leo XIV is set to make a state visit to France at the end of September, according to the announcement of the French bishops.

French bishops announced on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV may visit France at the end of September, marking his second visit to a country in the European Union outside of Italy. This would be a first, considering that his predecessor, Pope Francis, has never made an official visit to Paris.

According to the proposed schedule, Pope Leo could travel to Paris and Lourdes, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The invitation was issued by the president of the French Bishops' Conference, Jean-Marc Aveline, and is supported by President Emmanuel Macron. Although the Vatican has not yet confirmed the visit, Pope Leo recently concluded a trip to Africa and is set to visit Spain in June. Unlike Pope Francis, who has made three visits to France, Leo XIV could bring a new breath to relations with this country.