France has been significantly impacted by Pope Leo XIV's visit. Since the passage of the law separating church and state in 1905, the country has turned to secular traditions, but in the coming days, the streets will tell a different story.
Pope Leo XIV's Travel Itinerary
Starting Friday, Pope Leo XIV will be in France for four days, visiting the capital Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. All of his public events have been sold out for weeks, and it is expected that around one million people will attend a grand religious ceremony on Saturday at the Paris Congrès square.
Reactions and Perspectives
According to Olivier Roy, a political scientist, Pope Leo XIV is popular among both believers and non-believers, and his contrast with Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has given him a "moral standing" that transcends the Catholic Church.
A large number of people, about 600,000 who managed to get tickets, are expected to fill the entire Champs-Élysées and head towards the Arc de Triomphe. Authorities have announced that some metro stations will be closed, and throughout the city, churches have been decorated with Vatican flags and large images of the Pope. Security forces are preparing for a major challenge.
Implications of the Trip for French Politics
With the presidential elections in France approaching in just six months, this trip comes at a sensitive time. Roy emphasizes that the left appreciates Leo's character but is hesitant about government involvement in organizing the welcome.
The far-right is also protesting the interfaith meeting in Metz, welcoming the representation of Catholicism, as they believe it places Islam alongside Christianity.
Due to the separation of church and state, the President of France cannot participate in large public religious ceremonies. Leo's visit is likely to enhance the Pope's profile in a country where the last papal visit was in 2008 by Benedict XVI.
Ethical and Social Challenges
During this trip, Pope Leo will give 15 speeches and sermons, most of which will focus on the French community and the political leaders of the country. One of the most anticipated speeches will take place on the final day in Metz and will introduce President Emmanuel Macron. This speech will be titled "To the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity."
The choice of Metz as the location for this symbolic speech is significant. This city, which was once the center of the Carolingian Empire, has changed its language and loyalty several times over the centuries.
During this trip, a meeting with survivors of sexual abuse is also on the Pope's agenda. This is in contrast to the time of Pope Benedict, who had no opportunity to meet with survivors of abuse in the Catholic Church in France. This time, a meeting with survivors in Lourdes is on the Pope's schedule.
