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Pope Leo XIV joined a traditional candlelight procession at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in the southern French city of Lourdes. About 150,000 pilgrims took part in the event.
The procession and the rosary prayer began at 9 p.m. local time from the Grotto of Massabielle and continued across the shrine grounds toward the Basilica of the Rosary. The Vatican said the event was held as part of the pope’s apostolic visit to France.
The pope took part in the procession as a pilgrim
Rather than observing the ceremony from the sidelines, Leo XIV joined the procession as a pilgrim. In his address, describing himself as “a pilgrim among pilgrims,” the pope spoke about generations of believers who have traveled to Lourdes to pray.
He stressed that hope is a light that guides people through difficulties. Vatican News described the ceremony as the central event of the pope’s visit to Lourdes.
Leo XIV calls for peace
During the procession, the pope called for an end to wars and for peace to be established among peoples affected by conflict. He urged Christians to recite the rosary throughout October with this intention.
Leo XIV also emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation. His appeal came as international tensions and armed conflicts remain among the main themes of the pope’s public addresses.
Program of the Lourdes visit
Lourdes is one of the world’s best-known Catholic pilgrimage sites. According to the Vatican, pilgrims have been visiting the shrine for more than 150 years. The site is particularly known for prayers and ceremonies dedicated to the sick.
As part of the visit, the pope also met staff members of the Accueil Notre-Dame center and members of the sick community receiving care there.
Leo XIV’s apostolic visit to France runs from Sept. 25 to 28. On Monday, he will take part in an interfaith meeting in Metz and a gathering titled “To the roots of Europe for peace and unity.” He will later celebrate Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral before returning to Rome.
During the visit, the agenda includes social support, the activities of the Catholic Church in France, peace and unity in Europe, and dialogue among religious communities.
