Pope Leo XIV Arrives in France for First Visit
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday. He landed in Paris to begin a four-day trip.
This is his fifth trip abroad since he became pope last year. Before France he visited Africa.
He wants to reach Catholicism's original heartlands. He also wants to connect with the church's newest strongholds.
During the visit Leo and French President Macron will follow rules for religious state visits. France has strict secular rules for such visits.
The trip will mix pilgrimage with political meetings. Talks will focus on questions of morality and human life.
Leo hopes to repair the Catholic Church's reputation after sexual abuse scandals. He also plans to discuss the need to regulate artificial intelligence.
Klear Note — France's secular system keeps government and religious institutions separate. An Apostolic journey is an official trip made by a pope.
Key Terms 2
- secular France keeps religion separate from government and public life.
- pontiff Another word for the pope, leader of the Catholic Church.