Pope Leo to Visit Lourdes, Marking First Papal State Visit to France in 18 Years

Pope Leo visits Lourdes, a top Catholic pilgrimage site, for first official state visit to France in 18 years.

September 25, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Lourdes, France — Pope Leo will embark on a four-day apostolic journey to France this weekend, including a stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, marking the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years.

The pilgrimage to one of Catholicism’s most revered sites is expected to draw millions of visitors and highlight the enduring spiritual significance of Lourdes. The location, near the Spanish border, has long attracted pilgrims, particularly those seeking healing through its famed spring water.

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Founded after Bernadette Soubirous reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858, the site became a major center of devotion. Over the years, more than 7,000 cases of alleged miraculous healings have been examined, with 72 officially recognized by the Church. Despite its religious importance, Lourdes remains a place of both faith and controversy, as some artworks on the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary are being concealed during the Pope’s visit due to ongoing legal issues involving an artist accused of abuse.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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