Pope Leo XIV to Celebrate Open-Air Mass at Lourdes During France Visit

Pope Leo XIV is visiting the pilgrimage town of Lourdes this weekend as part of a four-day trip to France, which marks the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years, according to France 24.

The pope is expected to hold an open-air mass at the Lourdes Sanctuary, one of the Catholic Church's most significant pilgrimage sites, drawing large numbers of visitors and worshippers to the town. Lourdes has for over a century been a major destination for Catholic pilgrims, particularly those seeking healing, following reported Marian apparitions there in the 19th century.

In addition to the public mass, the pope is scheduled to meet privately in the afternoon with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, a meeting that comes as the Catholic Church continues to grapple with the fallout from decades of abuse cases involving clergy in multiple countries, including France. Details of what will be discussed during the private meeting have not been made public.

The visit represents a notable diplomatic and religious milestone, given the 18-year gap since a pope last made an official state visit to France. The four-day trip includes a broader itinerary beyond Lourdes, though full details of the schedule were not specified in the available report.

Further developments from the trip are expected to be reported as the visit continues.