POPE LEO XIV REFLECTS ON APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO FRANCE AT GENERAL AUDIENCE
Source: Vatican News Photo Credit: Vatican News
At the Weekly General Audience on Wednesday, September 30, Pope Leo XIV reflected on his recently concluded Apostolic Journey to France, expressing gratitude to all who warmly welcomed him and highlighting the spiritual significance of the visit.
In his catechesis, the Holy Father centred his reflections on the restoration of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, which was severely damaged by fire in 2019 and reopened in 2024. He presented the restoration as a powerful symbol of rebirth and as an example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to the common good.
Pope Leo XIV described the restoration as the fruit of collaboration between the Church, the State, public institutions and civil society, supported by the generosity of benefactors and the expertise of professionals and skilled workers. He stressed that such “synergy for the common good” should become a norm for institutions, political and social forces, and all those entrusted with civil and economic responsibilities.
At the heart of such collaboration, he emphasized, must be the dignity of the human person.
The Holy Father also praised the approximately 80,000 young people who gathered at the Stade de France in Paris during his visit. Reflecting on the encounter, he drew a connection between the young people’s gathering and the Vespers celebrated at Notre-Dame.
“Two completely different locations, two complementary events, almost united spiritually,” he said, explaining that what united them was the Church, not a Church made merely of stones and cement, but a Church made up of people who love Jesus Christ because they have first been loved by Him.
Pope Leo XIV also recalled his visit to the Maison Bakhita Centre, where people dedicate themselves daily to serving the dignity of the human person with love. He connected this witness of service with the encouraging growth in the number of young people and adults preparing for Baptism in France, describing the development as a significant sign of hope and renewal.
The Pope further reflected on the Mass celebrated in Paris, attended by about 700,000 people who filled the iconic Champs-Élysées, extending towards the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. He recalled how the Eucharist was distributed throughout the vast gathering, allowing everyone to participate fully in Communion.
For Pope Leo XIV, this was an image of a deeper spiritual reality: the true reconstruction and restoration of the Church is ultimately the work of God, accomplished through His grace and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In Lourdes, the Holy Father recalled his message concerning the dignity of every human life, emphasizing that every person, regardless of his or her condition, deserves to be cared for with compassion and with the assistance of the means offered by science. He also called for efforts to provide healing and support to those who have suffered abuse.
The Pope remembered with particular affection his participation in the daily torchlight procession and Rosary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. He encouraged Italian- and German-speaking faithful to pray the Rosary for peace, especially during the month of October.
Turning to the final stage of his journey in Metz, Pope Leo XIV reflected on Europe’s rebirth after the devastation of the Second World War. He recalled that Europe was rebuilt on principles of democracy, solidarity and fraternity among peoples—principles deeply connected to its Christian roots. He expressed hope that Europe could once again draw upon these foundations and renew the European project in an increasingly globalized world.
The Pope also recalled his meeting in Metz with representatives of different religious traditions, where they reflected on the “Metz Appeal” for dialogue and peace. He further remembered the three priests who were martyred in 1944, presenting their witness as an inspiration for Christians today to remain committed to one another, especially in times of trial and suffering.
Concluding his catechesis, Pope Leo XIV prayed that his Apostolic Journey to France would bear “abundant and lasting fruit.” He returned to the motto of the journey, “That the world may have life,” and encouraged Christians not to hide their faith. “May the public witness of love for Jesus Christ that we have seen in France be an inspiration to the entire Church. Let us not hide our faith!” the Holy Father said.
Pope Leo XIV also extended greetings to the seminarians from the Pontifical Irish College and to pilgrims attending the diaconate ordination of the Pontifical North American College, which was scheduled to take place on October 1, 2026.
Story by:
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra
