Pope Leo XIV has completed a packed first day of his historic apostolic journey to France — the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years. The Pope arrived at Paris Orly Airport on Friday morning, where he was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Two local children presented Pope Leo with flowers before the Pontiff received military honours. Pope Leo then travelled to the Élysée Palace for a private meeting with President Macron.
FROM UNESCO TO NOTRE-DAME, A CALL TO DEFEND HUMAN DIGNITY
Addressing French authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, the Pope spoke of France’s deep Christian roots and its contribution to culture, art, science and human thought. He said the French ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity also find a deep source of inspiration in the Gospel. The Pope also spoke strongly about human dignity, technology and the protection of human life. Warning against a world in which technology advances without ethical wisdom, he called for greater moral discernment.
Turning to global conflicts, Pope Leo called on France to remain a champion of peace and multilateralism — promoting what he described as a peace that is “unarmed and disarming.” After the Élysée meeting, the Pope’s next major stop was UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Forty-six years after Saint John Paul II addressed UNESCO, Pope Leo called for education, science and culture to remain at the service of truth, human dignity and peace. He warned that scientific progress without wisdom can become a weapon, culture can become propaganda, and education without truth can manipulate consciences. “Peace cannot be built by treaties alone,” the Pope said. He also warned that in an age of instant communication, an abundance of information does not necessarily produce wisdom.
From UNESCO, Pope Leo travelled through the streets of Paris to the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral. It was the first papal visit inside Notre-Dame since the devastating fire of 2019 and its subsequent restoration. There, the Pope presided over Vespers with bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians and consecrated men and women. Pointing to the rebirth of Notre-Dame, Pope Leo called the Church in France to its own missionary renewal. He reminded clergy that a Church without liturgy “loses its soul,” and called for reverence in worship, unity with the Church and a renewed missionary presence — especially among those on the margins. He urged the Church in France to be reborn with Notre-Dame — in holiness and mission.
But the final event of the day brought an entirely different energy. At the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, around 80,000 young people filled France’s largest stadium to welcome the Pope. Songs, testimonies and performances celebrated the great saints of France. But the celebration then gave way to prayer.
THE POPE URGES FRANCE: BUILD PEACE, RENEW THE CHURCH, FOLLOW CHRIST
Responding directly to questions from young people, Pope Leo spoke about faith in a multi-religious society, anxiety about the future, fragile relationships, screen fatigue, vocation and the desire to build a meaningful life. To young people considering priesthood or consecrated life, his message was direct: “The Church in France needs you so much. Do not be afraid of this call.”
In a powerful moment, the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil — traditionally venerated as the garment worn by Christ — was brought before the young people. The Pope pointed to the tunic and the cross, reminding them that the cross — once an instrument of death — has become a sign of hope. He then gave the young people three simple directions: Avoid… reach out… and fight.
Avoid pride, vanity, violence and greed. Reach toward justice, faith, charity, patience and gentleness. And fight the good fight of faith — not with violence or contempt, but with what the Pope called the weapon of self-giving love.
From the Élysée Palace… To UNESCO… From the reborn Notre-Dame… To a stadium filled with 80,000 young people… Pope Leo XIV’s first day in France carried one consistent message: Build peace. Defend human dignity. Renew the Church. And do not be afraid to follow Christ.
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