Pope Leo XIV to hold mass in Lourdes, expected 150,000 pilgrims

Pope Leo XIV will continue his French itinerary on Sunday with a visit to Lourdes, the southern town famed for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Following a stop in Paris, the pontiff is scheduled to celebrate Mass at the shrine, an event that organizers anticipate will draw approximately 150,000 participants. The gathering is part of a broader pastoral tour aimed at reinforcing the Catholic Church’s presence in France and honoring the site’s historic significance as a pilgrimage destination.

Local authorities and merchants expect the influx of pilgrims to provide a noticeable economic lift, as visitors typically purchase souvenirs, food and other goods during their stay. Business owners in the area have prepared for heightened demand, hoping the event will translate into increased revenue for the town’s hospitality and retail sectors. The coverage of the visit is provided by C. Neidhardt, C. Romain, E. Auriaux and C. Bénétreau.