Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic journey to France, scheduled from 25 to 28 September, will feature a significantly more subdued reception than initially planned by the Élysée Palace. The Vatican has declined several traditional protocol gestures, including the conferral of state honours and a state dinner with President Emmanuel Macron.
According to reports from infovaticana, which cites journalist Mickaël Corre of La Croix, discussions between Paris and the Holy See have resulted in a substantially more modest welcome than the French Presidency initially envisaged. Rome specifically rejected France’s intention to bestow the Gran Croce della Legion d’Onore, the country’s principal decoration, upon the Pontiff. Furthermore, there will be no state lunch or dinner between Pope Leo XIV and President Macron. Negotiations also saw a reduction in military ceremonial, with the Vatican requesting to avoid the deployment of the Republican Guard and its drums.
Notre-Dame Visit to Remain Religious
The Papal visit to Notre-Dame de Paris has also been shaped by the Vatican’s preference for a religious focus. While President Macron had reportedly wished to personally show the Pope the restoration works of the cathedral – which reopened in December 2024 after the April 2019 fire – the approved programme does not include such a presidential tour. Instead, Pope Leo XIV will visit Notre-Dame on Friday, 25 September, to preside over Vespers with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, and seminarians, affirming its role as a Catholic cathedral rather than a national monument or presidential showcase.
Context of French “Right to Die” Law
This decision by Rome to minimise republican honours carries particular significance given France’s recent legislative developments. On 18 August, Emmanuel Macron promulgated a law establishing a “right to assistance in dying,” introducing euthanasia and assisted suicide under certain conditions. This legislation is in direct opposition to Catholic teaching on the inviolability of human life. Ahead of the law’s final approval, Bishop Marc Aillet of Bayonne had expressed hope that the Pope’s visit would serve to reiterate “the inalienable dignity of every human life” in France. Following its promulgation, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris urged Catholics not to avail themselves of the new “right to die,” advocating for accompaniment and care as the appropriate response to illness and fragility.
Travel Details for the Papal Journey
Pope Leo XIV will travel to France aboard an ITA Airways Airbus A321neo, departing from Rome Fiumicino on 25 September at 07:50 and arriving at Paris Orly at 10:00. This marks ITA Airways’ role in accompanying His Holiness on his first Apostolic Journey to France, as detailed by Italiavola & Travel. The A321neo aircraft is noted for its efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by over 20% and halving acoustic impact compared to previous generation aircraft. The flight will be overseen by Commander Fabio Polloni, with a crew of 10.
Primarily Religious Agenda
Despite the subdued ceremonial, institutional meetings will still take place, including a reception by President Macron at the Élysée Palace and engagements with authorities, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps. However, the approved programme prioritises a fundamentally religious and pastoral character. Beyond Notre-Dame, the Pope’s itinerary includes a vigil with young people, meetings with catechumens and neophytes, and a Mass in Place de la Concorde. A substantial part of the journey will also be dedicated to Lourdes, where he will pray at the Grotto of Massabielle, celebrate Mass, visit the sick, and meet with French bishops.