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World

Increased baptisms, madness for the Pope: is France living a "spring of Catholicism"?

More than 600,000 people are expected to attend the Mass of Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, September 26 in Paris's Plaza de la Concordia. The tickets for the youth vigil at the Stade de France were exhausted in just a few hours. How can this fervor be understood, given that the number of Catholic faithful has steadily decreased in France for decades? Is it a sign of a rebirth, especially considering that, at the same time, more adults are baptized each year?

World

Leo XIV: Pope's speech at the Elysée Palace

In the first words of his speech, the pontiff praised the country's historical influence: "For centuries, France has been shining as a cultural, artistic and spiritual beacon. With its cathedral schools, universities and academies, France has helped forge the intelligence of the population, far beyond its borders." Pope Leo XIV also warns against the risk of losing "our humanity in the midst of the "paradis of machines" that invade and condition our daily lives".

World

Leo XIV: Pope's arrival at the Elysée Palace

Pope Leo XIV arrived in France, welcomed to the Elysée by President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron, at the beginning of a four-day visit much awaited by the Catholic faithful, during which he wanted to "proclaim peace".

World

REPLAY - Speech by Emmanuel Macron alongside Pope Leo XIV in France

President Emmanuel Macron's speech was made at the Palais de l'Élysée on Friday, September 25, during the first day of Pope Leo XIV's visit to France. The French president said in particular that "French secularism" is "nully the negation of religion", hoping that the pope could meet "a France always seeking the universal, an emancipated, diverse and united France".

Politics

Election at the head of the Organisation de la francophonie: "I am serene", says Louise Mushikiwabo

In an interview with France 24, Louise Mushikiwabo, a candidate for her own succession as head of the Organisation internationale de la francophonie (OIF), called herself "sereine" before the very first vote for this position. The confrontation between Rwanda and the DR Congo "does not belong to the OIF," she says. The withdrawal in 2025 from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger of the organization did not, she said, constitute a failure "of the secretary general".

Politics

France: Pope Leo XIV begins Paris diplomacy at the Élysée

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Paris, and was welcomed at the Élysée Palace by French president Emmanuel Macron. They are having closed-door talks on international geopolitics, artificial intelligence and peace. The pontiff is then set to deliver a speech at the Élysée Palace. FRANCE 24's Luke Shrago has more.

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World

REPLAY : Pope Leo XIV's speech from the Élysée

Watch the replay of Pope Leo XIV's address in french at the Élysée Palace on 25 September, where he spoke about peace, artificial intelligence, France's challenges and the importance of solidarity. The pontiff also condemned gestational surrogacy, calling for greater protection of human dignity during the first day of his four-day visit to France.

World

From 'Jungle' to jungles, migrants in Calais continue to dream of UK

October 2026 marks 10 years since the Calais "Jungle" in northern France was dismantled by French police. The camp was home to thousands of migrants who wanted to cross the Channel and reach the UK. A decade on, migrants continue to dream of reaching British shores and the "Jungle" has been replaced by many smaller jungles scattered along the northern French coastline. FRANCE 24's Pauline Godart, Claire Paccalin and Mohamed Farhat report.

Politics

Pope Leo XIV begins four-day pilgrimage to France

The pope has landed in Paris, where he and President Macron will navigate the rules of religious state visits in secular France. Leo's trip will mix pilgrimage and politics on questions of morality and human existence.

World

Jungle de Calais, ten years later: migrants still dream of the United Kingdom

That was in 2016. The camp known as the "grand jungle", located on the outskirts of the city of Calais, in northern France, was dismantled. This place was home to thousands of migrants. They all had the same dream: to cross the Channel and to join the UK. Ten years later, their determination remains intact.

World

Leo XIV at the Elysée: which political figures will be present?

From the migration crisis to peace in Europe, the Pope's trip to France will address a wide range of topics, seven months from a very open French presidential election where the extreme right appears in a position of strength. Pending the speech of Leo XIV, where many political figures will be present, presidential candidates stand on the visit of the head of the Catholic Church. The details of Bruno Daroux, an international columnist in France 24.

World

US rapper Macklemore announces 'Free Palestine' tour after Ed Sheeran saga

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, September 25: There's anticipation and excitement in France as Pope Leo XIV embarks on the first papal visit to France in 18 years. It comes at a time of renewed Catholic faith among young French people. Also, we look at reactions after Italy's new legislation banning full-face Islamic headwear from schools. Plus: US rapper Macklemore announces a new "Free Palestine" tour that will raise funds for humanitarian groups.

World

France: Pope Leo XIV meets young believers

Pope Leo XIV landed in Orly on the morning of Friday, September 25. While conducting protocol meetings, it was enough to hear young believers sing and delight in the presence of the head of the Church. After exchanging a few words, the Pope continued his first day of visit, closely followed by Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron. Marie Schuster's details.

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World

War in Ukraine: series of Russian strikes in the Odessa region

A Russian drone hit a building in the centre of the capital, on Friday morning, 25 September, killing a child, while another attack killed one in the Odessa area, the Ukrainian authorities announced. According to police, a 14-year-old boy was killed and at least seven others were injured in a Russian drone attack on a 16-storey residential building in Kiev. The explanations of Gulliver Cragg, correspondent France 24 in Kiev.

World

Historical visit of Pope Leo XIV: his arrival at the Palais de l'Elysée

Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday 25 September, hosted at the airport by President Emmanuel Macron. From Orly Airport, the pope took the road to go directly to the Elysée Palace, where he will deliver a first speech at about 11:45 a.m. in front of the authorities and the diplomatic corps.

World

Pope Leo XIV's France visit puts Macron in diplomatic balancing act

Pope Leo XIV's visit to France is forcing Emmanuel Macron into a delicate diplomatic balancing act. As both the head of the Catholic Church and the head of the Vatican City State, the pontiff requires the French president to navigate the country's secular traditions carefully. There will be no private meeting between the two leaders — officially because of the Pope's packed schedule — and Macron is not expected to attend any of the religious services during the visit. FRANCE 24's Rochelle Ferguson has the details.