Pope Leo XIV Begins Four-Day Visit to France Focused on Faith, AI and Healing

Pope Leo XIV landed in France on Friday, marking the first papal visit since Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. The itinerary, described by the Vatican as a journey that unites faith and public engagement, includes fifteen speeches, a mass at Place de la Concorde and a procession along the Champs-Élysées.

During the trip the pontiff will address the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, warning that artificial intelligence poses risks of "domination, exclusion and death" and urging regulation. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Leo will speak about the meaning of existence and what makes humans human.

After UNESCO, Leo will lead a prayer service at the restored Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the first papal appearance at the landmark since the 2019 fire. He will also visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he will meet privately with seven survivors of historic clergy abuse as a gesture of healing.

French President Emmanuel Macron greeted the pope at the Élysée Palace, and French bishops highlighted the theme "That the world may have life," noting a recent rise in adult baptisms, particularly among 18- to 25-year-olds. Organizers expect up to one million attendees for the Paris mass and have expanded security perimeters.

The visit concludes in the border city of Metz, where Leo is expected to speak on European friendship. French Ambassador to the Vatican Charles Personnaz indicated that leaders from all EU member states, and possibly Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have been invited to attend the Pope's speeches.