President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Facebook: “Most Holy Father, your visit honours us. It speaks to the strength of the bonds uniting the Holy See and France. In the face of the challenges of our time, we shall together convey a message of peace, fraternity, and hope.”
Highlights of the visit included:
- Paris: The visit opened with major engagements in the capital, including a visit to UNESCO headquarters and an address there. The Pope also warned of the potential risks artificial intelligence poses to humanity.
- Notre-Dame Mass: An evening outdoor Mass at Notre-Dame de Paris drew an estimated 800,000 people gathered from the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. French youth staged a memorable spectacle featuring a procession of young people dressed as angels, symbolizing renewed hope for a peaceful world.
- Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Pope met pilgrims, sick people, and those in sorrow who, like those in the Gospel, longed for healing. He also joined a torchlight procession dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- Final Stop in Metz: Pope Leo attended “At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” at the Robert Schuman Convention Centre, an event devoted to European values and peace. He also paid tribute to Robert Schuman, the former French minister who played a key role in building a united Europe.
On the return flight to Rome, Pope Leo held an in-flight press conference marking the conclusion of his four-day apostolic journey to France. He reflected on the visit’s spiritual experiences and the connections he had made. Key themes included:
Sexual Abuse in the Church: Addressing questions about the systemic nature of abuse, the Pope stressed that the Church must listen to victims and accompany them through the healing process.
End-of-Life Care: Discussing the Church’s position on life and morality amid recent legislative changes in France, he clarified that his message was grounded in the Gospel rather than partisan politics.
Artificial Intelligence: The Pope called for ethical discernment, dialogue, and responsible oversight to prevent AI from harming humanity. He noted that a Vatican commission is studying the technology’s risks and benefits.
The Church in Germany: Responding to concerns about declining Church membership and the rise of extremist political groups in Germany, the Pope expressed hope for a renewed missionary spirit. He emphasized the common good and compassionate values as alternatives to division.
Related Link:
Pope Leo XIV’s Entire Apostolic Journey to France in 100 Seconds | Vatican News
