Pope Leo likely to visit France in September, bishops say

PARIS - Pope Leo is likely to visit France at the end of September, the country's bishops announced in a statement on Wednesday, in what would be the pontiff's second visit to a European Union country outside Italy.

"In the proposed program, Pope Leo XIV could go to Paris and Lourdes," the French bishops' conference said in the release, which also asked Catholics to pray in preparation for the pontiff's visit.

It is unusual for local bishops to announce a papal visit, which the Vatican usually announces. The Vatican's press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, has undertaken three trips outside Italy since becoming the leader of the Church a year ago. He is also due to visit Spain from June 6-12, in his first trip to a European Union nation outside Italy.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta;Additional reporting by Joshua McElweeEditing by Rod Nickel)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 12:42 PM.