Santi Taboada
Pope Leo XIV has chosen the motto for his apostolic visit to France: “So, that the world may have life.” It comes from the Gospel of St. John and the Bread of Life Discourse.
The emphasis on life does more than point to the Eucharist. It may also carry a second meaning. It comes after France's National Assembly approved a bill on June 30th to legalize euthanasia, administered by a doctor, and self administered assisted suicide.
According to diplomatic sources cited by OSV News, the pope might also visit the largest and most renowned palliative care institution in France and Europe: the Jeanne Garnier Medical Center in Paris.
The logo also complements this central concept of celebrating life. It features a dove carrying an olive branch, which symbolizes a return to life, just like the bird that returned to Noah’s ark.
The visual design blends the Gothic style rose windows, often found in France's medieval cathedrals, with a more modern Art Deco aesthetic.
The design uses the colors of the French flag, along with orange for light and green for hope.
Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Paris on September 25th, and will attend a prayer vigil at the Stade de France. The next day, he will celebrate Mass at Place de la Concorde. He will also visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, before traveling to Metz on September 28th to celebrate Mass at the Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
The visit to Metz also carries a certain symbolic significance. The city, located in the heart of Europe, was historically a point of contention between France and Germany. Today, it stands as a symbol of reconciliation and European identity.
