Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes for Second Leg of France visit after historic Paris crowds

Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes after historic Paris crowds

Poinews.com – Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes on Saturday evening for the second stage of his four-day visit to France, following an outdoor Mass in Paris that drew an estimated 800,000 people. His arrival at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées International Airport shifted the visit from the capital’s vast public gathering to one of the Catholic world’s most significant pilgrimage sites.

After arriving, Pope Leo prayed at the Grotto of the Apparitions, the place associated with Bernadette Soubirous, who said she saw the Virgin Mary there in 1858. Lourdes has long welcomed people seeking prayer, healing and spiritual renewal.

Mass, prayer and meetings in Lourdes

Sunday’s schedule begins with a meeting between the pope and French bishops. He is then due to celebrate an outdoor Mass in the Prairie area of the sanctuary and lead the Angelus prayer.

The afternoon will focus on people who are ill and those who care for them. Pope Leo is expected to meet staff and sick people at the Accueil Notre-Dame before holding a private audience with contemplative religious sisters.

A closely watched part of the visit will be his private meeting with seven survivors of sexual abuse by priests and other Catholic personnel. Some survivor groups have criticised the Vatican’s choice to meet individuals rather than delegations from established advocacy organisations.

The Lourdes programme is set to end on Sunday evening with a Rosary and torchlight procession. The candlelit ritual is one of the sanctuary’s best-known traditions, bringing pilgrims together in public prayer.

Paris Mass exceeds expectations

Before Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes, he spent roughly 32 hours in Paris, travelling through central streets in the popemobile, speaking at UNESCO headquarters and celebrating Mass at Place de la Concorde.

About 600,000 people had registered in advance for Saturday’s liturgy, but the Vatican estimated attendance at approximately 800,000. Around 2,400 priests and deacons joined roughly 100 bishops for the Mass.

Security measures extended for nearly two miles along the route from Place de la Concorde beyond the Arc de Triomphe, and several Metro stations were closed. Crowds called out as the pope passed, while parents raised babies and children toward the popemobile.

“Leo! Leo!”

In his homily, Pope Leo encouraged believers not to keep faith hidden from public life, urging them to offer reassurance and comfort to others. French President Emmanuel Macron did not attend the Mass, while Brigitte Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu were present.

France visit highlights changing Catholic life

The trip began on Friday at Notre-Dame Cathedral, restored after the 2019 fire that severely damaged the Paris landmark. It marked the first papal visit to the cathedral since the blaze.

At the Catholic Institute of Paris, the pope said he had been encouraged by the rising number of adults entering the Catholic Church in France. Adult baptisms have almost tripled since 2016 and are expected to reach around 13,000 this year.

FAQ: Pope Leo’s visit to Lourdes

Why is Lourdes important to Catholics?

Lourdes is associated with Bernadette Soubirous and her reported 1858 visions of the Virgin Mary. It is a major destination for pilgrims, particularly people seeking prayer, healing and support.

What will Pope Leo do in Lourdes?

His programme includes meetings with French bishops, an outdoor Mass, the Angelus prayer, visits involving sick pilgrims and caregivers, and a Rosary and torchlight procession.

Why is the meeting with abuse survivors significant?

The private meeting with seven survivors places the Church’s response to sexual abuse at the centre of attention during the Lourdes visit, an issue closely followed by survivors and advocacy groups.