Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron will welcome Pope Leo XIV at the airport on Friday as the 71-year-old pontiff lands in France, the first state visit by a head of the Catholic Church in 18 years. Artificial intelligence and the faith of young people are expected to dominate his trip. Follow our liveblog for updates on his visit over the weekend
► Leo XIV is due to land at Orly airport, south of Paris, at 10am, where Emmanuel Macron will welcome him at the start of a four-day visit to France running from Friday to Monday, with stops in the capital, Lourdes and Metz.
► During the first papal visit to France in 18 years, the pope is scheduled to meet the French president at the Élysée Palace at 11am, before a broader gathering with members of civil society, French officials and the diplomatic corps.
► A giant prayer vigil will take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis this evening, bringing together 80,000 young people aged 17 to 35 for a night of worship music and conversation with Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV in France
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