World · Malaysia Bureau
Pope embarks on first French state visit in nearly two decades
The pontiff, whose paternal grandmother was born in France, will undertake a four-day visit to the country, with church bells across the nation set to ring in his honour upon arrival near Paris.
LSN Malaysia ·
Church bells throughout France will sound for seven minutes to mark the arrival of the Pope outside Paris, signalling the start of his four-day state visit to the country. The trip marks the pontiff's first official visit to France in 18 years, underscoring the significance of the occasion for the French Catholic community.
The Pope's French heritage adds personal resonance to the visit, with his paternal grandmother having been born in France. This familial connection to the nation provides additional context to what is already a significant diplomatic and religious engagement.
The scheduled four-day visit is expected to include engagements across multiple locations in France, reflecting the importance of strengthening ties between the Vatican and the French state. The ceremonial ringing of church bells upon arrival demonstrates the formal recognition afforded to the papal visit by the French authorities and Catholic institutions.
This visit comes as part of the Pope's broader international diplomatic efforts and represents a notable occasion for French Catholics and the wider French society. The timing and scale of the visit underscore the enduring relationship between the Vatican and France.