Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes 2026
Looking back on the visit of 26-28 September 2026, and coming to Lourdes afterwards
Mise à jour du 1er octobre 2026 : le Pape Léon XIV est venu à Lourdes du 26 au 28 septembre 2026. Vous préparez votre venue en 2027 ?
→ Combien coûte un pèlerinage à Lourdes ? · Les origines du Pape à Ossun · Nos appartements à 8 min à pied du Sanctuaire · Voir les disponibilités
Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes: the key points
The journey: on 16 May 2026 the Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV's apostolic journey to France, from Friday 25 to Monday 28 September 2026. The Pope arrived in Lourdes on the evening of Saturday 26 September and left on the morning of Monday 28 September for the Moselle region.
Highlights in Lourdes: prayer at the Grotto on arrival, Mass on the Prairie on Sunday 27 September, a visit to the Accueil Notre-Dame and the torchlight procession. According to AFP, about 150,000 faithful attended the Mass on the Prairie, and pilgrims praised a "simple" pope, attentive to the most vulnerable.
A personal link with the region: the regional press recalled that the Pope's maternal ancestors (the Baquié family) came from Ossun, the town of Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport, a few kilometres from Lourdes. We have devoted an article to it on our blog.
Coming to Lourdes after the Pope's visit
The Sanctuary welcomes pilgrims all year round. The programme is richest from April to October, with the Eucharistic procession every afternoon and the Marian torchlight procession every evening. The major feasts (11 February, May, 15 August) remain the busiest periods: book your accommodation several months ahead for them.
Planning your budget: in 2026, a French diocesan pilgrimage of 3 to 4 nights cost between €255 and €450 per person in a double room, coach and full board included. On your own, the budget depends mainly on transport and accommodation.
Coming without a car: Lourdes SNCF station is a 12-minute walk from our building, and Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport is 15 minutes from town.
Why choose À l'Ombre de la Tour for your pilgrimage
An ideal location: our building is at 31 rue de la Grotte, an 8-minute walk from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. We are 5 minutes from the castle and 12 minutes from the SNCF station.
Four apartments for every kind of pilgrim: a studio (2 people) for a solo pilgrim or a couple; a one-bedroom flat with terrace (2-4 people), ideal for a family or a small group; a duplex (6 people) for a family reunion or a group of friends; and a whole house (12 people) for parish or group pilgrimages. All equipped so you can cook to suit your needs.
The benefits of booking direct: no OTA commission (Booking, Airbnb) = save up to 18% on your stay. Instant confirmation by email. Personalised advice on routes, processions and practical information sent on WhatsApp before you arrive. A listed building from 1850 with a private garden overlooked by a 14th-century medieval tower and a unique view of the castle.
History of papal visits to Lourdes
John Paul II, 1983: the first visit of a Pope to Lourdes. On 15 August, the feast of the Assumption, John Paul II celebrated Mass at the Sanctuary before an immense crowd. This visit remains a landmark in the history of the Marian city.
John Paul II, 2004: he returned 21 years later, on 14 and 15 August, for the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Despite very poor health, he prayed at the Grotto and celebrated Mass: it would be his last great pilgrimage.
Benedict XVI, September 2008: from 13 to 15 September, for the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin to Bernadette. Prayer at the Grotto, jubilee Mass, meeting with the sick.
Leo XIV, September 2026: 18 years after Benedict XVI, Leo XIV, elected in 2025, came to Lourdes from 26 to 28 September 2026 as part of his apostolic journey to France. About 150,000 faithful attended the Mass celebrated on the Prairie on Sunday 27 September.
Book your stay in Lourdes
Book direct at À l'Ombre de la Tour, 31 rue de la Grotte — 4 charming apartments an 8-minute walk from the Lourdes Sanctuary. Studio (2 people), one-bedroom flat with terrace (4 people), duplex (6 people) or whole house (12 people for group pilgrimages). No OTA commission, instant confirmation, personalised advice on WhatsApp.
Talk about your hotel
FAQ about the Pope's visit to Lourdes
When did Pope Leo XIV come to Lourdes? From the evening of Saturday 26 September to the morning of Monday 28 September 2026, at the heart of his apostolic journey to France (25-28 September 2026).
How many faithful attended the Mass? About 150,000 people, according to AFP, for the Mass celebrated on the Prairie on Sunday 27 September.
Which Popes came to Lourdes before him? John Paul II in 1983 and 2004, then Benedict XVI in 2008.
What links the Pope to the region? His maternal ancestors, the Baquié family, came from Ossun, the town where Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport is located.
Can I come on pilgrimage to Lourdes now? Yes, the Sanctuary is open all year round and free. The procession programme is fullest from April to October.
Where can I stay within walking distance of the Sanctuary? Our apartment hotel À l'Ombre de la Tour, at 31 rue de la Grotte, offers 4 apartments an 8-minute walk from the Sanctuary, bookable direct.
Où se loger pour la visite du Pape ?
Nos appartements À l'Ombre de la Tour, au 31 rue de la Grotte, sont à 8 min à pied du Sanctuaire. Réservez tôt, les disponibilités partent vite.