Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to France with a prayer at the Grotto of the Apparitions in Lourdes, marking the end of a pilgrimage that included a large outdoor Mass in Paris. The Pope arrived in Lourdes on Saturday, where he spent time with pilgrims and offered a prayer at the site associated with the Virgin Mary’s apparition to Bernadette.
Earlier in the week, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands in Paris, drawing crowds of up to 800,000 for an open-air Mass on the Champs-Élysées. The event, held on a central square, symbolized the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in France, a country that has become increasingly secular. The Pope encouraged attendees to share their faith and remain steadfast in their beliefs.
During his visit to Lourdes, the Pope also greeted pilgrims and engaged with visitors, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the site. His visit followed a series of public appearances in France, including a warning about artificial intelligence creating a “paradise of machines.” The Pope’s French pilgrimage highlighted both his pastoral role and his engagement with contemporary global issues.
The visit to Lourdes concluded a week of public appearances, reinforcing the Pope’s presence in France and his efforts to connect with the Catholic community.
