Pope Leo XIV in Metz: the schedule for his visit and the best places to see him

It’s going to be popemobile time! 👀

It’s one of the year’s major events in Lorraine! On September 28, the popemobile will make its way through the streets of Metz with Leo XIV on board, for a day dedicated to peace and Europe.

And the good news: even without a ticket, you’ll be able to take part in the event. We’ll tell you where to go, what to see and when to whip out your phone📱

After Paris and Lourdes, it’s off to Lorraine! On September 28, the skies will carry Leo XIV to Metz: takeoff at 7:40 a.m. from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées, followed by landing at 9 a.m. at Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport.

And there you have it: Metz will officially have its guest of the day! (We can already imagine the excitement on the tarmac… 👀)

An arrival that will officially kick off this exceptional day.

At 10 a.m., heading to the Metz Congrès Robert Schuman center for an interfaith meeting. Leo XIV will speak there about dialogue between the different religious traditions.

At 11 a.m., the pope will continue his morning with a meeting dedicated to Europe’s roots, peace and unity. A choice that is far from insignificant: Lorraine, marked by wars, is also closely linked to the history of European integration. Leo XIV wishes in particular to recall the founding insights of the European project and its role in reconciliation between peoples.

These two events are invitation-only, but there’s no question of being left out! The pope’s speeches will be broadcast on giant screens installed at several locations in Metz, notably on the Esplanade and Place de la République 😉

And here’s the moment when Metz might look like an XXL episode of The Amazing Race: at 2:30 p.m., Leo XIV will take his place in his Popemobile for a procession through the streets of Metz to Saint-Étienne Cathedral.

The procession will depart from Avenue Foch, before crossing Place Mondon, Avenue Robert Schuman, Place de la République, Rue Haute-Pierre, Rue du Juge Pierre Michel, Rue de la Garde, Quai Paul Vautrin, Place de Chambre and Rue d’Estrées, among others.

The route will allow the general public to catch a glimpse of him and greet him. As during his other apostolic journeys, the pope may also stop to bless, among others, young children.

Good news: you don’t need a ticket to see the Popemobile go by. You can stand along the route, with free access and no reservation required 👋

At 4 p.m., the day’s big moment will take place: Leo XIV will celebrate Mass at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Metz and deliver his homily.

Mass is free, with registration recommended to access the designated areas. And if tickets have already sold out (which is highly possible given the scale of the event), don’t panic: the Mass will be broadcast on giant screens throughout the city.

Want to leave with something other than a blurry photo taken between two shoulders? Merchandise will be available for purchase on the day at the Catechetical Office, as well as in several pop-up shops set up at various locations around Metz. Something to keep as a memento of this historic day in Moselle. And perhaps bring out your papal tote bag for Sunday shopping.

After this busy day, Leo XIV will head to Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport for a farewell ceremony at 6:30 p.m. His plane will take off at 7 p.m. to return to Rome, with an expected arrival at Rome/Fiumicino Airport at 8:50 p.m.

A wonderful day, as they say. And definitely not an ordinary Monday for Metz!

Thousands of eyes turned toward the city, probably several thousand photos on phones… and above all, quite a chapter in Metz’s history will be written on this September 28 🇫🇷🇪🇺

The popemobile is cool… but crowds and the event’s big spectacle really aren’t your thing? 😇 Don’t panic! On Supermiro, you’ll find plenty of other outings to enjoy near you. Concerts, exhibitions, shows, family activities… In short, everything you need to keep busy without chasing after the Pope! 👀