France

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A statue of Charles de Foucauld in front of the Church of Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune in Strasbourg, France.

Pope Francis appoints new archbishop of historic French archdiocese following resignations

Feb 28, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

The Holy See Press Office announced on Wednesday the appointment of 66-year-old Pascal Delannoy as the bishopric’s new archbishop. Read more

The new golden rooster is seen atop of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral on Feb. 13, 2024, in Paris.

Notre Dame cathedral spire to be unveiled nearly 5 years after devastating fire

Feb 14, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

Deconstruction of the scaffolding surrounding the spire — which reaches 330 feet in height — will take several months, the... Read more

The Lourdes Grotto in France.

What if you do not receive a physical healing at Lourdes?

Feb 10, 2024

By Courtney Mares

What about the millions who come to the Lourdes Grotto and leave without receiving a miraculous physical healing? Read more

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‘Right to abortion’ to be codified in French Constitution

Jan 31, 2024

By AC Wimmer

The plan to write access to abortion into France’s constitution was announced by President Emmanuel Macron in October 2023.  Read more

Bishop Eric Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops’ Conference.

French bishops delineate support for Fiducia Supplicans

Jan 11, 2024

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

The Permanent Council of the French Bishops’ Conference offered carefully delineated support for the Fiducia Supplicans declaration on pastoral blessings. Read more

Procession from Saint-Jean Cathedral to Fourvière Basilica in Lyon, France, on Dec. 8, 2022.

The city of Lyon, France, honors Mary with light festival on Dec. 8

Dec 8, 2023

By Emma Silvestri

The tradition of the Festival of Lights goes back to 1852 before the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was even... Read more

Bishop Georges Colomb of La Rochelle and Saintes was reportedly charged on Nov. 17, 2023, with attempted rape of an adult man in 2013.

French bishop charged with attempted 2013 rape of adult man

Nov 21, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Pope Francis has appointed an apostolic administrator of the La Rochelle and Saintes Diocese, while Bishop Georges Colomb will retain... Read more

Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rouen, France.

Altar vandalized, sacred vessels stolen from Sacred Heart Basilica in France

Nov 17, 2023

By Walter Sánchez Silva

During the night of Nov. 14–15, unidentified persons destroyed the altar and stole sacred vessels from the Sacred Heart Basilica... Read more

Bishop Olivier Leborgne of Arras, France.

Islamist kills teacher at French high school, bishop condemns the terrorist attack

Oct 16, 2023

By Walter Sánchez Silva

The bishop of Arras, France, Olivier Leborgne, condemned the murder of a teacher by a young Islamist and the terrorist... Read more

French President Emmanuel Macron talks to the press as he leaves after a European Council Informal Meeting at the Palacio de Congreso in Granada, southern Spain, on Oct. 6, 2023.

French president wants right to abortion added to constitution

Oct 6, 2023

By Eduardo Berdejo

In his speech for the 65th anniversary of the French Constitution, President Emmanuel Macron called for abortion to be included... Read more

Santa Rita Parish in Milan, Italy, September 2017.

An evening of letters and rose petals to ask St. Thérèse to pray for ‘the impossible’

Oct 1, 2023

By Anna Kurian

Special evenings held around St. Thérèse’s feast day take place throughout the world to encourage people to ask for graces... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with local religious leaders at a memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants lost at sea on the first of a two-day visit to Marseille, France, Sept. 22, 2023.

Pope Francis in Marseille: It’s ‘a duty of humanity’ to save migrants abandoned at sea

Sep 22, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“We can no longer watch the drama of shipwrecks, caused by the cruel trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference,” the... Read more

Pope Francis entrusted a meeting of Mediterranean bishops and youth to the Virgin Mary during the first appointment of a two-day trip to Marseille, France, Sept. 22, 2023. The model ships hanging in Marseille's Basilica de Notre-Dame de la Garde are a testament to the faith of the sailors who have relied on the intercession of Our Lady over the centuries.

Pope Francis entrusts to Mary ‘Mediterranean Encounter’ with youth and bishops

Sep 22, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

After landing in Marseille, France, Sept. 22, the pope made his way to the Basilica of Notre Dame de la... Read more

A group of pilgrims who followed the spiritual retreat with Claude and Marie France Delpech in front of St. Hildegard Abbey in Ebingen, Germany, Sept. 17, 2012.

Couple spends retirement sharing St. Hildegard of Bingen’s wisdom and faith

Sep 17, 2023

By Anna Kurian

Through the sale of products and hosting retreats, Claude and Marie France Delpech are helping to bring the renowned saint’s... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at the general audience on Aug. 23, 2023.

Pope Francis: People — not machines — are the value of work

Aug 29, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

He also said businessmen and businesswomen can contribute to the common good through job creation, especially for young people. Read more

Jean-Louis Georgelin, former chief of staff of the armies and CEO of the public establishment in charge of the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, waits for the delivery by barge of the timber truss to the cathedral during its restoration in Paris on July 11, 2023.

Jean-Louis Georgelin, ‘architect of Notre Dame’s rebirth,’ dies during hiking trip

Aug 21, 2023

By Daniel Payne

The military general was appointed to the project in April 2019 and was confident the restoration of the historic cathedral... Read more

Place of worship in the Alps: Chapel of Trezanne, Trièves, France

Priest brings the prayers of Mary to revive small mountain churches in the Alps

Aug 15, 2023

By Anna Kurian

The area is vast and the faithful are few, but one priest is confident that bringing the message of the... Read more

Soccer player Olivier Giroud, center forward for France, in victory over Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

French soccer player Olivier Giroud sends WYD message to 40,000 French pilgrims 

Aug 1, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The 36-year-old striker sent a message to the youth of France in Lisbon encouraging them to become “missionary disciples” and... Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass in Bari, Italy on Feb. 23, 2020.

Vatican announces Pope Francis’ Marseille visit schedule

Jul 29, 2023

By Rachel Thomas

In September, the pope will travel to France to meet with young people and bishops from around the world at... Read more

Father Benjamin Sellier.

French priest accused of abusing a young girl commits suicide

Jul 17, 2023

By Walter Sánchez Silva

According to local media France Bleu Nord, the 47-year-old priest was hit by a freight train in the northern region... Read more