The Pope at Lourdes
Pope Leo XIV to Visit Lourdes on September 27, 2026
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes will have the joy and honor of welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, September 27, 2026. As part of his apostolic journey to France, he will become a pilgrim among pilgrims.
Programme in Lourdes
As a pilgrim, the Pope will visit the Grotto of Massabielle on Sunday 27th September. In the afternoon, he will preside over an open-air Mass, open to all, on the large prairie in the Sanctuary, and will take part in the Marian torchlight procession. The detailed programme for this visit is currently being finalised and will be announced shortly.
"This visit is, first and foremost, a visit by the Successor of Peter to strengthen his brothers in the faith and to address our society as a whole."
Mgr. Jean-Marc Micas, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes
The Pope is coming to Lourdes. Let’s help the Sanctuary welcome every pilgrim. An historic visit, an exceptional challenge
Hundreds of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend this event. The Sanctuary has previously had the honour of welcoming Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Drawing on this experience, it is preparing for this new visit with the utmost care. Every detail is being planned in advance to ensure that the day goes as smoothly as possible.
Planning for an event of this scale
To ensure that everyone can enjoy the day as much as possible, significant resources are required. More than 2 million euros will be needed to fund the technical installations, the sound system, the giant screens, security measures, and the arrangements for pilgrims, volunteers and the media, as well as the preparations for the celebrations.
• Over 10 kilometres of security barriers
• Over 600 volunteers mobilised
• Nearly 1,000 journalists accommodated in an international press centre specially equipped for the occasion
• Over 10 giant screens and an enhanced sound system
• A 400-seat podium for bishops and cardinals
• Nearly 3,000 priests expected
• Nearly 1,000 temporary toilets
• Enhanced cleaning and waste management arrangements
Your donation also helps shape the future
The Pope’s visit will last for just one day.
But the welcome for pilgrims never ends.
Our mission is to continue to welcome, with equal attention, every pilgrim, every sick person and every family before, during and after the Holy Father’s visit. Most of the facilities installed for this visit will continue to be used long after the Pope’s departure. The improvements made to the visitor routes, the services provided, accessibility and the infrastructure will benefit the millions of pilgrims who visit Lourdes every year for many years to come.
