France, May 16 -- It will be the first papal state visit to France since Benedict XVI came in September 2008.

While Francis visited France three times as pope - to Strasbourg, Marseille and the island of Corsica - those trips were not official state visits by the Holy See.

"We are delighted that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has confirmed his visit to France. This visit next September will be an honour for our country, a source of joy for Catholics and a great moment of hope for everyone," French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X.

French bishops had said ‌earlier this month that the pope was likely to travel to the country in September, including to Paris and Lourdes, the site of a famed Catholic shrine. However, they did not ind...