Fact check
“This is the first official papal state visit to France in 18 years.”
Reasoning
Both France 24 articles describe Pope Leo XIV's trip as the first official papal state visit to France in 18 years, confirming the claim.
On confidence: Multiple primary news sources explicitly state that this is the first official papal state visit to France in 18 years.
Important context
The claim refers specifically to an official state visit by a pope, not any informal or private papal trips that may have occurred in the interim.
Evidence
Supporting (2)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceLive: Pope Leo XIV holds open-air Mass at Lourdes pilgrimage site - France 24
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…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourcePope Leo finishes first day of France tour with youth vigil at Paris stadium - France 24
Trump Leo's past criticism of the US president has won him points with many Parisans opposed to Trump's policies, who came out in droves to celebrate the first official state visit by a pope in 18 years. “He dared, at his level, to oppose…
Limitations
The evidence is limited to the two France 24 articles provided; no additional sources were consulted.
- Last verified:
- Sep 27, 2026, 4:16 AM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 2.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
Live: Pope Leo XIV to hold open-air Mass in Lourdes pilgrimage siteFrance 24 · FRANCE 24