Pope Leo XIV Meets French Bishops in Paris

Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Archbishop's residence in Paris at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Cardinal Jean‑Marc Avelin welcomed the Pope and escorted him into the hall. After the cardinal's greeting, the Pope addressed the bishops. He said, My dear brothers in the episcopate, I am very glad to meet you in this holy place. This site is only a short distance from the cave where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette and where you regularly gather for your ordinary meetings. By choosing this place, you clearly express your desire to entrust the Church of France to the Mother of God, the immaculate Virgin, so that she may guide the Church in accordance with the Lord's will. In truth, there is no better way to reach Jesus than through Mary. Everything associated with her leads us to her Son. [ Photo Embed: French Bishops with Pope Leo XIV] France "Kingdom of Mary" thus continues the heritage handed down to you in matters of faith, a heritage that has been carried forward in your country since the first proclamation of the Gospel. In fact, devotion to the Mother of God has become so deep in your land that it soon began to be called the "Kingdom of Mary." This special relationship between your nation and the blessed Virgin Mary was uniquely expressed on February 10, 1638, when France formally dedicated itself to her. The Pope noted that a beautiful illustration of this can be seen in the Notre‑Dame Cathedral in Paris. Pope Pius XI declared the "Assumed Mother Mary" the patroness of France. The long journey of trust and love with the Mother of Mary is evident in many forms of devotion and prayers, often offered amid tears, and in places named for her: shrines and large churches. This journey continues despite obstacles.

Facing the great challenges of our time, the Pope urged them to show courage, boldness, and missionary creativity. They should not be discouraged by mistakes, shortcomings, or even falls and recoveries in the history of this pilgrim community. Always have the courage to acknowledge your faults with love for truth and a resolve to heal wounds like a good shepherd, who knows his sheep and calls each one by name. Therefore, do not grow weary in proclaiming the Gospel with hope! The voice of the Church is always awaited, the Pope said, noting that the history of the Church in France is very rich. To build your communities and your nation, you must be inspired by its beautiful and fruitful history. The Church has witnessed the gradual formation of the nation and has contributed to it. Today, it remains an essential part of French culture, identity, and its role in the world. For this reason, the Church has the full right to have its voice heard in public life. Even if their words are not always understood, their voice is still needed. Even if their teaching is not always followed, especially on crucial questions tied to the foundations of civilization, their voice remains indispensable. Therefore, the Pope encouraged them to stand together with all upright people who share these values. [ Photo Embed: French Bishops with Pope Leo XIV] Religious freedom The Pope said that today France lives under a particular form of secularism that emerged from a turbulent history and is now more peaceful, but it must be allowed to fulfill its mission for the Church. This hard‑won balance is increasingly questioned, as happens in other parts of the Western world. The Pope urged them, You must vigilantly protect the freedom and rights of the Church, so that it may proclaim the Gospel, teach true freedom, and worship publicly, so that the works of charity in the name of Jesus Christ may be visible to all.

The renewal of the Church in France was highlighted when Pope Francis wrote a letter on the reopening of Notre‑Dame Cathedral in Paris, encouraging those who have received baptism to "recover the heritage of their faith," as part of their mission as shepherds, because they seek to renew the Church in France. The Pope said that the peace that comes from encountering Jesus becomes even more necessary when we see the concerning polarization, fraternity, harmony, and quality of social life in France and other Western nations deteriorating, as well as the resurgence of violence, inequality, and poverty. In a world where God is absent or confined to the private sphere, and where the help of his grace is considered unnecessary for "building society," despair and wandering arise. Yet Jesus clearly warned his disciples: You can do nothing without me. The Pope noted that young people possess great hopes and are concerned about how the world will treat them and about the future, yet they are ready to work with courage and generosity for anything beautiful, true, and good. He asked the bishops to show young people the only sure path, the way of the Gospel, even if it is difficult. Young people in France form a vibrant community, the Pope said, expressing great expectations for the future and concern about how the world will receive them, yet they remain ready to work with courage and generosity for all that is beautiful, true, and good. The Pope urged the bishops to lead youth toward the only sure path, the way of the Gospel, despite the challenges.