Pope Leo XIV to draw over 1 million attendees during France state visit

The short version

• Pope Leo XIV will begin a four-day official state visit to France on September 25, marking the first such visit in 18 years.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• The Bishops' Conference of France expects over 1 million people to attend, with major crowds anticipated for Paris processions and Mass.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• The itinerary includes meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at UNESCO, and meeting with seven sexual abuse survivors in Lourdes.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• The Catholic Church estimates the visit will cost 27 million euros, with 5.5 million euros raised so far.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Key facts

• The Bishops' Conference of France projects that Pope Leo XIV's four-day state visit will attract over 1 million people.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• The trip begins September 25 and features meetings with President Emmanuel Macron and an address at UNESCO headquarters.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• Organizers expect up to 150,000 people along central Paris procession routes and at least 500,000 near the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées for Mass.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• In Lourdes, the pope is scheduled to meet with seven survivors of sexual abuse.[ABC News · Associated Press]
• The visit is projected to cost the Catholic Church 27 million euros, with 5.5 million euros secured through fundraising to date.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Pope’s visit to France likely to attract 1M people, with Mass and vigil in Paris and Lourdes tripABC News - International · Wire: associated-press
• Pope’s visit to France likely to attract 1M people, with Mass and vigil in Paris and Lourdes tripAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press