Pope Leo XIV will make a state visit to France in September, in the first papal visit after 18 years.

Pope Leo XIV will make a state visit to France, at the invitation of the French authorities, religious leaders, and the Director-General of UNESCO, according to the Vatican press office. This visit, scheduled for September, will mark the first such trip by a pope to France in the last 18 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his enthusiasm on social media, highlighting the importance of this visit for Catholics and for the entire nation. The Pope will also visit Lourdes, a significant pilgrimage site. Additionally, he has a visit planned to Spain in June, where he will meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and visit cities such as Barcelona and the Canary Islands.