Pope Leo XIV to Bring Spiritual Reminder to France Amid Growing Interest in Religious Tradition

Pope Leo XIV is poised to make a significant mark in France, as he prepares to spend four days in the country. His itinerary is set to culminate in a grand Mass in central Paris, drawing an estimated half-million people. This visit arrives at a time of secularization in France, where the Catholic faith's grip has weakened.

The nation's population has shifted, with less than half identifying as Catholic, a decline from 35% in 1960 to fewer than 5% today.

According to Cardinal François Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio, "France has indeed secularised, but there is a void where God and values used to be." People are searching for something, and the Pope's visit is seen as a reminder of their own roots. "It was John-Paul II who awoke the East. Now Leo XIV will awake the West," he said.

Read More: Putin's United Russia Set to Retain Majority in Russian Parliament Amid Wartime Uncertainty

Later this week, Pope Leo XIV will convene with French President Emmanuel Macron at Orly airport before proceeding to the Élysée Palace for discussions on geopolitics and artificial intelligence. The Pope is also scheduled to deliver a joint address with the President in Metz.

Notably, Macron will not attend the Pope's Masses, a decision driven by France's longstanding separation of church and state.

The Pope's visit is seen as an opportunity to bring spiritual significance to France. This has historically had a complex relationship with the Catholic Church of Rome. The Pope will also meet a group of migrants in Paris.

Also Read: Ex-Husband Forgives Wife After She Strangled Their Children, Blames Mental Illness

And in Lourdes, some victims of sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy.

Large crowds are expected at various stages of the Pope's itinerary, including the Champs-Élysées Mass. This will be attended by his wife Brigitte and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Several candidates for next year's presidential election are also due.

This includes Marine Le Pen of the nationalist right, centrists Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, and conservative Bruno Retailleau.