Pope Leo XIV Receives Ceremonial Welcome From Macron at the Elysee
The pontiff was greeted with a red-carpet ceremony as his four-day visit to France got under way on Friday.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Pope Leo XIV to the Elysee Palace on Friday, September 25, marking the formal start of the pontiff's four-day visit to France, according to France 24.
The pope was received with a ceremonial welcome in the palace courtyard, walking a red carpet before shaking hands with Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. He then climbed the palace steps for a brief meeting inside the Elysee.
The reception marks the opening event of a visit that is expected to include a range of engagements over the following days, though the France 24 report did not detail the full itinerary beyond the initial welcome.
Papal visits to France carry particular symbolic weight given the country's strong tradition of secularism, or laicite, and the historic role of the Catholic Church in French history. The ceremonial protocol observed at the Elysee reflects the diplomatic status typically extended to a visiting head of state, a role the pope holds as sovereign of Vatican City in addition to his religious position.
Further details on the substance of the pope's discussions with Macron during their brief meeting were not disclosed in initial reporting.
Sources
- France: Pope Leo XIV welcomed by Macron at the Élysée — France 24 — English
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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