Pope Leo XIV will make a historic pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes this weekend, marking the first papal visit to the world-renowned shrine in 18 years. Established following the 1858 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the French sanctuary remains one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destinations globally. Pope Leo XIV becomes only the third pope in history to visit the site, following in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
The legacy of papal visits to Lourdes began with Saint John Paul II, who made two distinct pilgrimages during his pontificate. His first visit occurred in August 1983, where he prayed at the Grotto of Massabielle, led the Rosary and torchlight procession, and celebrated Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption. During this visit, he famously described Lourdes as a “fountain where the conscience becomes clear again” and honored the sick pilgrims as essential collaborators in Christ’s work of Redemption.
Saint John Paul II returned to Lourdes in August 2004 for the 150th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Marking his final international trip before his death, the visit stood as a poignant pilgrimage of a pontiff weakened by illness. Despite his frailty, he prayed with the sick, presided over Assumption Mass, and offered a memorable final charge to the faithful from the Grotto: “Be free men and women! Defend your freedom.”
The most recent papal visit prior to Pope Leo XIV occurred in September 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI undertook a four-day journey to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions. Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming presence at the sanctuary continues this tradition of papal devotion, bringing global attention once again to the shrine’s enduring message of prayer, healing, and spiritual renewal.