How France handles its strict secularism as it prepares for a papal visit

A four-day visit by Pope Leo XIV beginning Friday that will feature large public gatherings, popemobile parades and an open-air Mass in Paris presents France with a balancing act under its strict approach to secularism, known as laicite.

How France handles its strict secularism as it prepares for a papal visit

TL;DR

  • Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for a four-day visit starting Friday.
  • The visit will feature large public gatherings, popemobile parades, and an open-air Mass in Paris.
  • France must balance these events with its strict secularism policy, laicite.