Pope Leo Arrives in France — President Macron Welcomes the ‘Pilgrim of Peace’ | SG News

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in France, beginning a packed four-day Apostolic Journey focused on peace, faith, artificial intelligence, Europe’s future and the mission of the Catholic Church. The papal plane landed at Paris-Orly Airport on September 25, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron were waiting to welcome the Holy Father. After stepping from the aircraft, Pope Leo was greeted warmly by the presidential couple before a young girl presented him with flowers. The Pope and President Macron then walked together along the red carpet, listened to the national anthems and exchanged greetings with French and Vatican officials. It was the first public moment of a journey expected to draw enormous crowds across France. Speaking to journalists aboard the flight to Paris, Pope Leo said he was coming with a message of peace, describing that message as especially important at a time when wars and international tensions continue across the world. His first day in France includes a courtesy visit with President Macron at the Élysée Palace and an address to French authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps. Later, Pope Leo will visit UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where artificial intelligence, human dignity, education, culture and peace are expected to feature prominently in his address. The Pope will then celebrate Vespers with bishops, priests, deacons, religious and seminarians at the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral before joining young people for a major prayer vigil at the Stade de France. On Saturday, one of the largest gatherings of the entire journey will take place in central Paris. Nearly 600,000 people have registered for Pope Leo’s outdoor Mass at Place de la Concorde, with the congregation stretching along the Champs-Élysées and Avenue de la Grande Armée. French authorities are mounting an enormous security operation, with around 37,000 security personnel reportedly being deployed around the papal events. The journey will then continue to Lourdes, where Pope Leo will pray at the Grotto of Massabielle, celebrate Mass and meet members of the sick community. His final stop will be Metz, where he will participate in an interreligious meeting and speak about Europe, peace and unity before returning to Rome on September 28. From the moment Pope Leo stepped onto French soil, the message of the journey was already visible: A Pope arriving not simply as a head of state — but as a pilgrim of peace. 📢 Stay Updated with ⁨ ⁨‪@SGNEWS-SG‬ – Faith, Society & Global Christian Perspective SG News, the digital wing of Shekinah News, delivers breaking news, inspiring stories, and in-depth coverage on Christian communities, faith-driven issues, and socio-political developments in India and around the world. We highlight justice, unity, and religious freedom while keeping the Catholic faith at the forefront. Like 👍 | Share 🔁 | Comment 🗨️ | Subscribe 🔔 Your support helps SG News continue delivering faith-based, global journalism. #PopeLeoXIV #PopeInFrance #France #EmmanuelMacron #Paris #Vatican #CatholicNews #NotreDame #Lourdes #UNESCO #ApostolicJourney #CatholicChurch #PrayForPeace #CatholicFaith #GlobalCatholic ► WHATSAPP UPDATES Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Valq... Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ks1tSaQOe3l... ► OUR OTHER YOUTUBE CHANNELS    / @shekinahglobalnews      / @shekinah_news      / @shekinahnewschannel8473      / @shekinaheurope   #SGNews #FaithNews #ChristianNews #CatholicNews #ChurchInIndia #ReligiousFreedom #FaithAndSociety #BreakingChristianNews #GlobalChristianNews #SGNews, #ShekinahNews, #ChristianNews, #CatholicNews, #FaithBased #Journalism, #GlobalChristianNews, #ChurchNews, #ReligiousNews, #ChristianPerspective, #CatholicMedia, #GospelValues, #FaithSociety, #ChristianVoice, #ReligiousFreedom, #HumanDignity, #FaithDrivenMedia, #ChristianWorldNews, #CatholicDigitalNews