In France, pope to highlight life, unity; Vatican confirms he’ll meet with abuse victims

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This is the logo for Pope Leo XIV’s Sept. 25-28, 2026, apostolic journey to France. With the motto “That the world may have life,” the pope’s first visit to France will include stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz and a private meeting with victims of abuse in the Church. The logo features a stained-glass window, a cross and a dove carrying an olive branch, symbolizing the Church’s unity, the apostolic and liturgical dimensions of the visit, and peace. (OSV News photo/courtesy Pope in France)

By Paulina Guzik
PARIS (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV will make a four-day apostolic journey to France Sept. 25-28, with a program that stretches from the Élysée Palace and UNESCO in Paris to the Marian shrine of Lourdes and a final stop in Metz, and it will include a private meeting with victims of abuse in the Church, the Vatican has confirmed.

The Holy See Press Office released the detailed schedule Aug. 7, along with a statement to journalists saying, “During his upcoming Apostolic Journey to France, Pope Leo XIV will meet privately with several victims of abuse in the Church. The victims themselves will be involved in preparing for this event. Further details may be provided later.”
The motto of the trip, “That the world may have life,” can be clearly read through the prism of a recent vote made by French lawmakers to legalize “assisted dying,” a move that French bishops called a “radical choice.”
He will also meet catechumens and newly baptized Catholics and celebrate Mass at Place de la Concorde. In Lourdes, Pope Leo will pray at the Marian shrine, meet bishops, the sick and religious sisters, and celebrate Sunday Mass. The final stop in Metz will focus on peace, European unity and the legacy of Catholic statesman Robert Schuman.
The French bishops’ conference and the Vatican also unveiled the official logo and motto for the visit: “That the world may have life” (John 6:51), a theme that will most likely frame the pope’s message amid debates on assisted dying in the country.
As France prepares to welcome Pope Leo for the first papal visit in 18 years, Church leaders asked for prayers as amid “logistical challenges and financial considerations, the visit of Pope Leo is “first and foremost a spiritual event,” the bishops said on the official website of the apostolic journey.
“The bishops of France invite all the faithful to pray for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV on the Feast of the Assumption,” on Aug. 15. “Let us entrust to the Lord this apostolic journey and the fruits it will bear for the Church and our country.”

(Paulina Guzik is international editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @Guzik_Paulina)