Pope Leo XIV's Lourdes Visit Expected to Give Local Economy a Boost
Pope Leo XIV will lead a Sunday mass in Lourdes expected to draw around 150,000 people. Local businesses hope pilgrim spending will benefit the town's economy.
Following his stay in Paris, Pope Leo XIV will continue his trip to France with a visit to Lourdes, a town in the country's south long associated with Catholic pilgrimage. The highlight of the stop will be a mass celebrated by the pontiff at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday, which organizers expect to attract roughly 150,000 attendees.
A welcome economic lift
Beyond its religious significance, the visit carries economic weight for the town. Local business owners are counting on the large crowds to translate into increased spending on souvenirs, meals and other goods, providing a boost to shops and services that depend heavily on pilgrimage traffic.
Lourdes has for generations drawn visitors seeking spiritual significance at the shrine, and a papal visit of this scale is seen as an especially significant event, one that could also raise the town's profile among future travelers.
The report was produced by France 24 correspondents C. Neidhardt, C. Romain, E. Auriaux and C. Bénétreau.
