The Sunday, September 28, 2026, Metz will experience a historic day by welcoming the pope Leo XIV. Before celebrating a mass at Saint Stephen's Cathedral, the Holy Father will travel through the streets of the city aboard the famous Popemobile for an exceptional crowd bath, offering everyone the chance to catch a glimpse of him.
From 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, the Popemobile will take a route of 2.2 km connecting the Imperial district to the historic heart of Metz. The itinerary will notably pass through Avenue Foch, the Serpenoise Gate, Avenue Robert Schuman, the Place de la République, the Palais de Justice, the Rue du Judge Pierre-Michel, the Rue de la Garde, the Pont des Roches, the Place de Chambre before arriving in front of the Saint Stephen's Cathedral.
At 3:30 PM, the pope will preside over a mass at the cathedral. While access to the building will be limited, several giant screens will be set up in the city, notably at Place Jean-Paul II, Place d'Armes, place de la République and on the forecourt of the Rights of Man in front of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, in order to allow as many people as possible to follow this exceptional event.
This visit, which will also bring together many French and international political figures, will make Metz the center of global attention for one day. A historic meeting that will leave a lasting mark on the city and its inhabitants.
📍 Downtown Metz
📅 Sunday, September 28, 2026
🕝 2:30 PM : route in the Papamobile
⛪ 3:30 PM : mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral
🎟️ Free access along the route (practical information will be provided at the beginning of September).