Pope Leo XIV has summed up his recent Apostolic Journey to France with one powerful image: Notre-Dame de Paris. The cathedral, restored after the devastating fire seven years ago, becomes for the Pope a symbol of the renewal of the Church in France. And he points to two concrete signs of that renewal: the enthusiasm of young people and the growing number of baptisms.
Dear brothers and sisters, In today’s catechesis, I would like to share some thoughts on my recent Apostolic Journey to France. The trip was a gift not only for the people of France, but also for me. For this, I thank the Lord and all those who helped organize it. The motto of the Journey was “That the world may have life” (cf. Jn 6:51), and these words characterized the Gospel-centered nature of my meetings throughout the visit. For God alone, through his grace, can restore the Church and renew humanity, and it was evident to me that this is precisely what is occurring in Paris, Lourdes and Metz. Just as Notre-Dame Cathedral was restored, so too is the Church in France being renewed. This is particularly noticeable in the enthusiasm of the young people and the increased number of baptisms. I was especially pleased to make my pilgrimage to Lourdes in order to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to ask for her continued intercession for her children, not only in France, but also throughout the world. May we learn from her how to establish a civilization of love that upholds human dignity and is marked by lasting peace. Please join me as I continue to entrust the people of France to the Lord in prayer. I extend a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from England, Ireland, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the United States of America. A special greeting to the seminarians from the Pontifical Irish College and the pilgrims attending the diaconate ordination of the Pontifical North American College that will take place tomorrow. Upon all of you and your families, I invoke the peace and unity of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
