Pope Leo XIV visits Lourdes, around 150,000 pilgrims expected to attend Mass

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Lourdes, France, as part of his four-day visit to the country. This Sunday, he will celebrate an open-air Mass at one of the best-known Catholic pilgrimage sites.

Authorities expect around 150,000 faithful to gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is visited by millions of pilgrims each year.

The Pope’s schedule includes meetings with French bishops, pilgrims and the nuns of the Carmelite Monastery. He will also hold a private meeting with seven people who have been victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

In the evening, the head of the Catholic Church is expected to join the traditional torchlight procession.

Lourdes is closely associated with the story of Bernadette Soubirous, who said in 1858 that she had repeatedly seen the Virgin Mary. Following these events, one of the world’s largest Catholic pilgrimage destinations was established in the area.

The presence of thousands of faithful in the city for the planned ceremonies and activities is also expected to affect the local economy.