France greets Pope Leo XIV on first papal trip in 18 years

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris on Tuesday, marking the first official papal visit to France in nearly two decades, according to Al Jazeera. The pope was welcomed by a sea of faithful and curious onlookers who gathered outside the Notre‑Dame Cathedral, where he celebrated Mass before moving on to a series of meetings with French officials.

During his itinerary, the pontiff met with President Émilie Durand at the Élysée Palace, discussing themes of social justice, migration and the growing secular divide in European societies. Al Jazeera noted that the discussion was described as “cordial and forward‑looking,” emphasizing shared concerns over poverty and climate change.

The visit has been hailed by French Catholics as a morale boost after years of dwindling church attendance. Local clergy reported that the crowds, described as “huge,” reflected a renewed public interest in the Vatican’s moral guidance. Meanwhile, secular groups observed the event with cautious optimism, hoping the dialogue could bridge gaps between religious and non‑religious citizens.

Background: France and the Holy See have a complex history dating back to the 16th‑century Concordat of Bologna, which granted the Catholic Church significant influence over French education and public life. The 1905 law on the Separation of Churches and State ushered in a strict secular framework, limiting overt religious presence in public institutions. Papal visits have been rare since the early 2000s; the last official trip before Leo XIV’s was in 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI visited to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the French Revolution. The long gap underscores the delicate balance France maintains between its Catholic heritage and its laïcité principles.

Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV plans to travel to Marseille and Lyon before concluding his French tour next week. Analysts suggest that the visit could set the tone for future Vatican outreach in Europe, especially as the Church grapples with internal reforms and external skepticism. The pope’s messages on compassion and unity aim to resonate beyond religious circles, potentially influencing policy debates on immigration and social welfare.

Al Jazeera reported that the French government has expressed openness to continued dialogue, signaling a possible new chapter in Vatican‑French relations that could shape both religious and political landscapes in the months to come.