Preparations for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes in 2026

With just a few days to go before the arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes, on 26 and 27 September 2026, the entire Marian town is buzzing with final preparations. From the Sanctuary to the religious communities, from the technical teams to the volunteers, everyone is pulling together to welcome the Holy Father and the many pilgrims expected for this exceptional event.

Behind this papal visit lies an extraordinary organisational effort: over 10 km of barriers, giant screens, installations on the Prairie, nearly 1,000 journalists, hundreds of volunteers, as well as 175,000 candles produced in three weeks and 400,000 communion wafers prepared for the month of September. In Lourdes, logistical and spiritual preparations are thus proceeding hand in hand.

Why does Pope Leo XIV’s visit require so much preparation?

Welcoming the Pope to Lourdes involves more than simply organising a religious celebration. A papal visit encompasses several aspects: the presence of the head of the Catholic Church, an exceptional influx of pilgrims, international media coverage, liturgical requirements, the movement of thousands of people and heightened security measures.

Lourdes already has a long history of hosting major pilgrimages, but a papal visit remains a rare event. John Paul II visited the Sanctuary in 1983 and again in 2004, and Benedict XVI in 2008. Leo XIV is now set to take his place in this history.

This time, the aim is not merely to welcome the Holy Father: it is also necessary to ensure that tens of thousands of pilgrims can experience the event in the best possible conditions, to organise the liturgy, to accommodate the media and to ensure everyone’s safety.

Exceptional organisation to welcome pilgrims

As the weekend of 26 and 27 September approaches, the Sanctuary and its teams are adapting their facilities to cope with an exceptional number of visitors. The preparations involve not only the technical services but also volunteers, hospitality teams, hospitaliers and professionals from numerous sectors.

Facilities on a scale befitting the event

Preparations focus first and foremost on the physical arrangements. Over 10 kilometres of barriers will be put in place to manage the flow of pilgrims. Giant screens are planned so that those standing further away from the stage can follow the celebration.

The sound system is also a major challenge. A Mass celebrated before a very large crowd requires a system powerful enough to ensure the faithful can hear the prayers, the readings and the homily.

Added to this are temporary toilet facilities, reception areas, cleaning, waste management and the international press centre for journalists.

Volunteers and teams mobilised

Behind the scenes are men and women. Several hundred volunteers, alongside numerous professionals, have been mobilised for the event.

Reception, guiding pilgrims, logistics, technical support, liturgy, caring for the sick: everyone has a specific role within this organisation. Estimates of the exact number of volunteers have changed as preparations have progressed, but the scale of the mobilisation remains exceptional.

How is the Pope’s grand Mass in Lourdes being prepared?

The Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes is set to be one of the highlights of his visit. It is scheduled for Sunday 27 September at 11.00 am on the Prairie du Sanctuaire. Teams from a wide range of backgrounds have been working on the preparations for several weeks.

An exceptional celebration on the Prairie

The Prairie offers the space needed to accommodate a very large congregation. Information gathered about the event suggests around 150,000 worshippers will attend this grand celebration.

A stage, sound system, screens, and areas reserved for bishops, priests and vulnerable people: every element must ensure that this vast congregation can take part in Mass in the best possible conditions.

The stage used for the celebration covers an area of approximately 600 m². A space with 400 seats is also set aside for bishops and cardinals.

400,000 hosts prepared in Lourdes

Among all the preparations, that of the hosts particularly illustrates the contrast between the scale of the event and the discreet work of those who make it possible.

Three nuns from the Monastery of the Visitation have prepared 400,000 communion wafers for the month of September, which is around 200,000 more than usual due to the Pope’s visit. Around half of this production is intended for the pontifical Mass.

To keep up with this exceptional pace, some working days begin as early as 4 am. Behind these impressive figures, therefore, lies meticulous, steady and silent craftsmanship, experienced also as a form of service and prayer.

A monumental cross crafted by the Sanctuary’s teams

The celebration will also feature an imposing cross created especially for the event. It measures approximately 6.20 metres high and 4.20 metres wide, and weighs close to 200 kg.

Crafted from wood and metal by the Sanctuary’s technical teams, it is to be suspended above the podium. This creation demonstrates the extent to which the preparations also draw upon the artisanal and technical expertise present in Lourdes on a daily basis.

175,000 candles: the Lourdes candle factory takes on an exceptional challenge

Candles are part of the spiritual landscape of Lourdes. They accompany pilgrims to the Grotto, in processions and in the intentions entrusted to Our Lady.

In preparation for the visit of Leo XIV, production is set to rise dramatically: 175,000 candles must be made in three weeks, representing an announced increase of around 20 per cent.

Some of these candles are intended for pilgrims, particularly for times of prayer and processions. Their light holds great symbolic value: it evokes faith, hope and the prayers entrusted to God.

For many pilgrims, lighting a candle in Lourdes is also a very tangible way of offering a prayer intention at the Grotto of Massabielle.

Discover our Lourdes candles to accompany your prayer intentions.

The liturgical vestments for Leo XIV, prepared down to the smallest detail

Preparations also extend to the vestments the Holy Father is to wear during the celebrations. In Lourdes, this work is carried out with great care by the Sanctuary’s liturgical workshop.

A specially made chasuble and mitre

Sister Martha, head of the liturgical workshop, is helping to make the chasuble and mitre intended for Leo XIV.

The choice of materials, the measurements, the finishes and the liturgical elements are all prepared with great care. Here too, the Pope’s visit brings to light trades and skills rarely seen by the general public.

Preparations that are also a form of prayer

In a sanctuary such as Lourdes, practical work is not entirely separate from the spiritual journey. Preparing a chasuble, communion wafers, a liturgical space or a candle can also be experienced as a service rendered to the Christian community.

This dimension gives the preparations a different perspective: behind the impressive infrastructure, Pope Leo XIV’s visit is also shaped by numerous simple and silent gestures.</ p>

Our Lady of Lourdes is also at the heart of the preparations

The preparations also concern the sanctuary’s Marian heritage. A statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in Carrara marble, a work by E. Cabuchet, is to be given special prominence for the celebration.</ p>

The statue is currently being cleaned and prepared before being placed near the altar. It is to be accompanied by the Crown of France and a mother-of-pearl rosary.

The Crown of France, crafted in 1876 by Mellerio, forms part of Lourdes’s heritage and Marian history. Its presence underlines the importance accorded to Our Lady during this papal visit.

How are security arrangements being made for the Pope’s visit?

A papal visit of this magnitude naturally requires exceptional security arrangements. The authorities, the town and the Sanctuary must ensure the protection of both the Holy Father and the pilgrims present.

A visit officially classified as a ‘major event’

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France from 25 to 28 September 2026 has been officially classified as ‘major event’ within the meaning of the Internal Security Code.

In Lourdes, the affected area includes the Sanctuary as well as several roads and adjacent sites on 26 and 27 September.

Checks, traffic and surveillance

The arrangements include, in particular, checks at entry points, appropriate crowd management, traffic restrictions and enhanced coordination between the authorities and the Sanctuary.

As traffic and parking arrangements may change right up to the last minute, pilgrims are advised to check the latest official information from the City of Lourdes and the Sanctuary before travelling.</ p>

The whole town of Lourdes is preparing for the arrival of Leo XIV

Preparations do not stop at the gates of the Sanctuary. Hotels, restaurants, shops, transport services, residents and religious shops are also preparing to welcome the influx of pilgrims and journalists.

Accommodation providers must cope with an exceptional number of visitors, whilst restaurants and shops are anticipating a particularly busy weekend. Local production of candles and religious souvenirs is also increasing as the event approaches.

In Lourdes, the Palais du Rosaire is also experiencing this exceptional period, working closely with the pilgrims as they prepare to welcome Pope Leo XIV.

This buzz serves as a reminder that a papal visit extends far beyond the time of Mass itself: for several days, the entire Marian town lives to the rhythm of the event.

How can pilgrims prepare spiritually for the Pope’s visit?

The preparations are not merely practical. For the faithful present in Lourdes, as well as for those following the event from afar, the Holy Father’s visit can also become a time of inner preparation and prayer.

Praying for Pope Leo XIV and his mission

The faithful can accompany Pope Leo XIV’s pilgrimage by praying for his mission in the service of the Church, for the people he will meet and for all those taking part in this visit.

In particular, it is possible to pray:

• for Pope Leo XIV and his mission;
• for his pilgrimage to Lourdes;
• for the sick people he will meet;
• for the pilgrims present;
• for the volunteers, hospital staff, priests and religious;
• for all the teams involved;
• that this visit may bear fruit in the form of peace, hope and faith.

Submit a prayer intention and have a candle lit at the Grotto of Lourdes

Not everyone will be able to be present in Lourdes for the Pope’s visit. It is, however, possible to unite spiritually with this event by submitting a prayer intention at the Grotto of Massabielle.

The Palais du Rosaire offers a service enabling you to have a candle lit at the Grotto of Lourdes .

You can write your own intention: a prayer, the first name of a loved one, a special date, a word of thanks or a personal request. The candle is then taken to Lourdes and lit on site.

A photo and a video of the candle being lit are then sent to you. Several options are available, ranging from a nine-day novena to candles of various sizes.

Can’t make it to Lourdes? Entrust your intention to us: we’ll light your candle at the Grotto of Massabielle and send you a photo and a video of it being lit.

Take part in Mass and prayer services

For pilgrims on site, several spiritual events are planned to coincide with the Pope’s visit, notably the High Mass on Sunday 27 September.

As access conditions, registration and practical arrangements are subject to rapid change, it is important to check the official information from the Sanctuary and the Town of Lourdes before travelling.

What religious souvenirs can you take home to commemorate Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes?

A Pope’s visit to Lourdes is a rare event in the history of the Sanctuary. For pilgrims present in Lourdes, as well as for those following the visit from afar, a religious artefact can serve as a memento of a moment of faith and communion shared in the presence of the Holy Father.

A medal of Pope Leo XIV

The metal medal of Pope Leo XIV can be kept as a sign of unity in prayer with the Holy Father.

A commemorative medal marking Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes has also been created to mark the event in September 2026.

A candle to accompany your prayers

The Pope Leo XIV novena candle is perfect for accompanying several days of prayer.

A Pope Leo XIV novena candle for Lourdes 2026 is also dedicated specifically to this visit.

Prayer cards and mementoes of Leo XIV

A prayer card of Pope Leo XIV in French can accompany daily prayer.</ p>

The prayer card dedicated to Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes is also a souvenir directly linked to the event.

To explore the Holy Father’s thinking in greater depth, the book Let us walk together! brings together texts by Leo XIV since his election.

Discover our selection dedicated to Pope Leo XIV and his visit to Lourdes. </ p>

Prayer for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes

FAQ on preparations for the Pope’s visit to Lourdes