Pope Leo's Historic France Visit Amid UNESCO Budget Crisis
Pope Leo will visit France, including UNESCO headquarters in Paris, from September 25 to 28. The visit comes after the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO, impacting its budget. During the trip, plans include a mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral and potential meetings with French leaders.
Pope Leo will visit France from September 25 to 28, including a key stop at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Vatican announced. The visit comes as UNESCO faces financial challenges following the U.S. withdrawal, which President Donald Trump initiated after his re-election, resulting in an 8% budget deficit.
Leo marked a year leading the Catholic Church this May. His trip itinerary includes celebrating mass at Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral, restored five years after a massive fire. UNESCO recognized the cathedral as a World Heritage site in 1991. The visit will be Leo's fourth international trip this year.
During his stay, Pope Leo is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and might address the French parliament. This visit will be the first official papal visit to France since 2008, with a detailed itinerary to be revealed soon.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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