Pope Leo XIV visited the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on September 25, marking the first papal presence at the site since its reconstruction following the devastating fire of 2019. The pontiff celebrated Vespers alongside diocesan clergy and consecrated religious, using the occasion to emphasize ecclesial unity.

During a brief tour of the historic basilica, the Pope kissed the relic of Christ’s Crown of Thorns. He also met with representatives of non-Latin Churches in a side chapel dedicated to Eastern Christians, highlighting the universal nature of the Catholic faith.

Liturgy and Communion

In his address during Vespers, Pope Leo XIV directed bishops, priests, deacons, and consecrated persons to prioritize communion with the successor of Peter over individual liturgical preferences. He cited paragraph 10 of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy from the Second Vatican Council, as a foundation for this call to harmony.

“Eucharistic joy takes root and spreads wherever harmony is restored,” the Pope said. He urged the faithful to “place communion with the successor of Peter and with the Church before your personal preferences.”

The visit served as the third major stop on the first day of his apostolic journey to France. Following the liturgy, Pope Leo XIV joined approximately 80,000 young people for a night vigil centered on the saints of France. The event included musical performances, fireworks, and participants dressed as an “army of saints.”

Continued Journey

The Pope is scheduled to remain in France through Monday. His itinerary includes travel to Lourdes the following day, continuing his pastoral engagement with the faithful across the country.