Hundreds of thousands greet Leo in Paris before he lands in Lourdes

The Pontiff will now spend the full day of Sunday in Lourdes

Michael Haynes

Pope Francis' private diary to be published

Michael Haynes

Vatican Dispatch: After France, Leo faces a consequential October

Michael Haynes

Cardinal Gambetti removed as Archpriest of the Vatican

3 min read

Receiving a rousing welcome from a packed-out sanctuary in Lourdes, Leo XIV arrived in France’s beloved Marian sanctuary on Saturday evening for the second leg of his four-day voyage.

The streets of Lourdes delivered a hearty welcome to yet another papal visitor on Saturday evening, as Leo XIV arrived fresh from a day and a half in Paris. It was back in 2008 that Lourdes last saw a papal visit.

After landing in Lourdes-Tarbes airport, the pontiff was driven straight to the river-side town of Lourdes. Once in the pope-mobile he toured around the sanctuary, with his greeting of the large number of crowds somewhat delaying the carefully choreographed timetable.

5freearticles every month

Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.

Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine

Create free account See our subscription offers

subscribe to the catholic herald today

Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.