Live: Pope Leo XIV to hold open-air mass in Lourdes pilgrimage site

Pope Leo XIV is visiting the pilgrimage town of Lourdes this weekend as part of his four-day trip to France, the first official papal state visit to the country in 18 years. He is expected to hold an open-air mass this morning at the Lourdes Sanctuary and will meet privately in the afternoon with victims of clergy sexual abuse. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments. 🎥 Pope visit expected to boost Lourdes economy The town of Lourdes in southern France is the second stop on Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the country, following his time in Paris. Around 150,000 people are expected to attend a mass led by the pontiff at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday. Local businesses are hoping the influx of visitors will also boost the economy, as pilgrims spend money on souvenirs, food and other goods. A report by C. Neidhardt, C. Romain, E. Auriaux and C. Bénétreau. The Pope's program in Lourdes today 9:00am – Meeting with the bishops of the French Bishops’ Conference 11:00am – Sunday mass at the Lourdes Sanctuary 3:30pm – Meeting with pilgrims 4:45pm – Meeting with nuns of the Carmelite Monastery in Lourdes Time to be determined – Private meeting with seven victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church 9:00pm – Torchlight procession 🎥 France's baptism boom as more young people seek catholic community The number of adult baptisms in France each year has tripled since 2016, hitting 13,000 this year. The numbers suggest a newfound interest in the church from young people who either left the faith and came back or were never raised in it to begin with. FRANCE 24's Charlotte Lam has more: 🔍 A look back at the pope's giant open-air mass in Paris 🔍 A look back at the Pope's second day in France and his arrival in Lourdes Good morning! Welcome to our liveblog on Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France. Today the pope is visiting the pilgrimage southwestern town of Lourdes. For a look back on his second day in Paris and his arrival in Lourdes, read our coverage below: