Pope Leo XIV Begins Four-Day France Visit with Élysée Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron received Pope Leo XIV at the Élysée Palace on Friday, opening the pontiff's four-day visit to France — the first official state visit by a pope to the country in 18 years.

Macron and his wife, Brigitte, greeted Leo in the palace courtyard before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks. The pope arrived by car and was escorted across the courtyard, where he shook hands with the presidential couple ahead of the meeting.

Addressing the pope, Macron said it was a great honour and joy for France to welcome him, noting that many citizens who are confronted with the world's troubles draw hope from his visit.

The French president also spoke about the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire, describing the five-year rebuilding effort as a symbol of France's wish to share the beauty the human spirit can create. He credited the artisans, apprentices and volunteers who worked on the restoration.

Turning to artificial intelligence, Macron referred to the pope's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, saying the human being must keep their rightful place amid the power of digital machinery. He said artificial intelligence should serve rather than dominate, and called for international oversight so that the most advanced systems do not fall into the hands of a few who would decide for all of humanity.

Macron also thanked the Catholic Church for its consistent advocacy on climate and biodiversity, saying these issues shape the choices of the century and concern how people inhabit the world, produce, consume and envision human progress.

During his stay, the pope is scheduled to visit UNESCO headquarters, celebrate vespers at Notre-Dame and preside over a large youth vigil.