Pope Leo XIV departs on his Apostolic Journey to France

By Devin Watkins

Pope Leo XIV boarded the papal plane at Rome’s Fiumicino airport on Friday, accompanied by journalists and his entourage, at the outset of his Apostolic Journey to France.

The ITA Airways A321 took off at 7:58 AM Rome time and is scheduled to land at Paris Orly Airport at 10:00 AM.

The Pope’s visit to France bears the motto: “That the world may have life.”

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said the motto wishes to uphold the value of human life, which must be “welcomed, loved, and cared for from conception to natural death.”

Speaking to Vatican News ahead of the visit, Cardinal Parolin said the motto also intends to highlight the importance of spiritual life in France, where many young adult catechumens prepare each year the receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

Pope Leo’s four-day Apostolic Journey begins in Paris, where he will meet with civil authorities and visit the headquarters of UNESCO, the UN’s cultural and educational agency.

He will also pray with France’s clergy and young people, share his solidarity with people assisted by Church-run charities, encourage those preparing to receive Baptism and Confirmation, and celebrate Mass.

On Saturday, the Pope travels to Lourdes to pray at the Grotto of the Apparitions where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous.

While in the southwestern French town, he will meet with the country’s Bishops, celebrate Mass, meet with several sick people, and pray the Rosary.

Pope Leo will spend Monday, his final day in France, in the northeastern city of Metz.

He will hold an interreligious encounter, recall the roots of the European Union, and celebrate Mass, before returning to Rome on Monday evening.