RismadarVoice Reporters
September 26, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has said people of different backgrounds can live together in dignity and peace, as he met migrants and refugees in Paris during his first official visit to France.
The pontiff made the remarks on Saturday during a visit to Maison Bakhita, a centre that provides social support and integration services for migrants and refugees. The visit formed part of the second day of his four-day apostolic journey to France.
“I am pleased to begin this second day in Paris with you, in a house that bears witness to the whole city that it is possible to encounter one another and to live together in dignity and peace,” the Pope said.
The meeting brought together migrants from different countries and religious backgrounds, including Christians and Muslims.
Leo’s message centred on human dignity and peaceful coexistence at a time when immigration remains a major subject of political and public debate in France.
Valerie Moniod, president of the association, said the Pope’s visit was intended to emphasise shared humanity and the dignity of every person regardless of political differences.
Later on Saturday, Leo is scheduled to celebrate a major open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde, with activities extending along the Champs-Élysées.
French authorities expect about 600,000 people to attend the event, making it one of the largest gatherings of the Pope’s four-day visit.
The pontiff has used his visit to France to address several international and social issues, including migration, peace, human dignity and the ethical development of artificial intelligence.
During an address at UNESCO in Paris on Friday, Leo warned that technological advancement without adequate ethical safeguards could undermine human dignity.
He argued that artificial intelligence could process enormous amounts of information but could not answer fundamental questions about the meaning of human life.
The Pope also called on France to remain committed to international cooperation and efforts towards peace amid continuing conflicts around the world.
Following Saturday’s engagements in Paris, Leo is scheduled to travel to Lourdes, where he will continue his apostolic visit before travelling to Metz on Monday.
His official itinerary includes meetings with French bishops, religious communities and other groups, as well as public Masses and interreligious engagements.
The four-day visit is scheduled to conclude on Monday after a meeting in Metz focused on peace and European unity and a Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen.
