Pope Leo XIV set to visit Paris, Lourdes and Metz with heightened security

Pope Leo is set to begin a three‑city tour of France on Friday, visiting Paris, Lourdes and Metz in a trip that has been prepared for months. The itinerary, announced four days in advance, places the pontiff in the heart of a nation still grappling with the fallout of clerical sexual‑abuse scandals and the controversial assisted‑dying legislation that was enacted last year. Organisers have emphasized that security will be the paramount concern, deploying extensive police and military resources to safeguard the Pope’s movements and the large crowds expected at each stop.

Authorities have coordinated with Vatican officials to address the sensitive topics that could surface during the visit, while also ensuring that the Pope’s pastoral messages are delivered without disruption. In Paris, the Pope will meet French President Emmanuel Macron and attend a mass at the Notre‑Dame Cathedral; in Lourdes, he will lead a pilgrimage at the famed shrine; and in Metz, he will hold a service at the cathedral before concluding the tour. The visit, closely watched by both the Catholic faithful and secular observers, aims to reinforce the Church’s presence in France while navigating the complex social and legal issues that continue to shape public discourse.