World Church · October 7, 2026
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Courageous Engagement from Christians in France
Pope Leo XIV has called upon Christians in France to engage courageously within a fractured society to proclaim that the kingdom of God is near. Addressing the clergy at Notre Dame, the Pope stated that churches must not be used as fortresses for protection. He further told young people that they are the saints of France, not by imitating the past, but by committing themselves to the real world.
During his apostolic journey, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the country to have courageous leaders who prioritize the impartial common good of every individual above all else. While large crowds gathered in churches and along avenues, it is noted that only 10 percent of the inhabitants of the country followed the stages of the papal visit. Father Benoist de Sinety, the dean priest of the city of Lille, asserted that while this number is not a tidal wave, it is sufficient to carry the Gospel message of peace to society.
Reports from the visit highlight a contrast in experiences. One account describes a family offering chocolates to security forces, who were softened by the gesture. In another instance, a young Palestinian Christian man visiting Lourdes was monitored as a suspect and detained before the arrival of the papamobile, despite having valid papers, when he attempted to display a Palestinian flag. After his release, the man expressed that he was more hurt by the whispers of other baptized Christians who called him a terrorist than by the arbitrary nature of his detention.
The narrative suggests that many people in the country feel like different types of French citizens because they do not recognize themselves in a religious national story. This perceived national story is described as one that ignores scientific discoveries, philosophical thoughts, political enthusiasms, and the aspiration for liberty. It is further noted that political colonialism seriously corrupted the missionary spirit, although it did not exhaust it.