Religion - World news, culture and opinion

Pope Leo XIV to hold mass for 500,000 on Paris's Champs-Elysées in September

The September 25-28 papal travel will mark the first state visit to France by a pope in 18 years, with stops planned in Lourdes and Metz after Paris.

Published on June 26, 2026, at 5:18 pm (Paris), updated on June 26, 2026, at 9:19 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

French tolerance remains strong, but racism and antisemitism still run deep, report finds

In its annual report released on Thursday, the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights expresses concern about the persistence of xenophobic prejudices in French society, particularly among the younger generation.

Published on June 25, 2026, at 8:30 pm (Paris) Louise Couvelaire

News

Charities voice concerns over the new support body for victims of abuse within the French Catholic Church

This new, decentralized system, overseen by bishops in each diocese, is set to replace the national independent body for recognition and reparations in September. Victims' advocacy groups fear uneven treatment and deteriorating support.

Published on June 12, 2026, at 1:13 am (Paris), updated on June 12, 2026, at 8:02 am Sarah Belouezzane

In Depth

Pope Leo XIV quotes Gandalf, highlighting Tolkien's close ties with Catholicism

A Lord of the Rings reference in the last papal encyclical has sparked a great deal of commentary. While it can be read as a response to the way Silicon Valley libertarians have appropriated Tolkien's writing, it also highlights the English author's religious convictions.

Published on June 6, 2026, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Damien Leloup

In Depth

Pope visits Spain as Socialist government and the church present a united front

Pope Leo XIV landed in Madrid on June 6. He is also set to visit Barcelona and the Canary Islands as relations between the Spanish Catholic Church – still a major force in the country – and Pedro Sánchez's government are in a good place. Yet behind the official cordiality, some tensions remain.

Published on June 6, 2026, at 4:21 pm (Paris), updated on June 6, 2026, at 4:49 pm Isabelle Piquer

In Depth

Why the French Catholic Church is against lifting the seal of confession

Lawmakers on June 1 removed an article which would have required priests to report sexual crimes against minors that they learned of in confession, from the bill to 'protect children and combat violence in schools.'

Published on June 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

Op-Ed

'Pope Leo XIV rejects relegating faith to the private sphere, calling for a Church that is both humble and visible'

In an op-ed for Le Monde, Catholicism specialist Philippe Portier observes that the pope's encyclical extends previous papal concerns about the consequences of technological progress, this time focusing on artificial intelligence. The document also demonstrates subtlety in positioning the Church amid secular turbulence.

Published on May 28, 2026, at 11:00 am (Paris), updated on May 28, 2026, at 11:41 am Philippe Portier

Op-Ed

'With his encyclical, Leo XIV does not simply proclaim that another world is possible: He calls on us to build that other world'

Following the pope's release of the first encyclical of his pontificate, 'Magnifica humanitas,' on Monday, historian of Catholicism Alberto Melloni analyzes the significance of this original document, which focuses on artificial intelligence.

Published on May 26, 2026, at 4:29 am (Paris), updated on May 29, 2026, at 6:52 pm Alberto Melloni

News

Pope Leo to visit France in September

The Vatican announced that the pope's state visit will take place from September 25 to 28. He is expected to visit Paris and Lourdes, in southwestern France.

Published on May 16, 2026, at 1:19 pm (Paris), updated on May 16, 2026, at 1:21 pm Le Monde with AFP

Video investigation

How China is cracking down on its Christians

Le Monde verified footage from Chinese social media and collected testimonies from victims of Beijing's crackdown to reveal how the regime has brought independent churches to heel since Xi Jinping came to power.

Published on May 14, 2026, at 12:26 pm (Paris), updated on May 22, 2026, at 2:31 pm Anna Kessler, Marceau Bretonnier, Adrien Marchais, Elsa Longueville and Diana Liu 17:41

In Depth

What do Christians celebrate on Ascension Day?

On May 14, Christians celebrate the Ascension, symbolizing Jesus' ascent to God. Le Monde explores the history and symbolism of one of Christianity's most important feasts.

Published on May 14, 2026, at 10:04 am (Paris) Macha Fogel

Feature

In Spain, the woman priest challenging the Vatican

Christina Moreira advocates for women's right to the priesthood, and was excommunicated by the Vatican for seeking the role. She continues her vocation as a parish priest in Galicia, disturbing figures high up in the Catholic Church.

Published on May 11, 2026, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on May 11, 2026, at 4:51 pm Pierre Terraz

Op-Ed

'Trump is now portrayed by some of his opponents as the Antichrist'

Donald Trump, who has long presented himself as a divinely-appointed figure, is now increasingly being compared to the Antichrist, observes historian Joël Schnapp. This shift proves that his religious rhetoric has turned against him, potentially even putting his life at risk.

Published on May 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Joël Schnapp

Obituary

Pierre-François Veil, who embraced the mission of passing on the memory of the Holocaust, has died

A man of peace and justice, the lawyer and son of Holocaust survivor and French politician Simone Veil believed that knowledge and remembrance are essential safeguards against intolerance and hatred. The youngest son of Simone and Antoine Veil died on Wednesday night aged 72.

Published on May 8, 2026, at 4:20 pm (Paris) Annick Cojean

In Depth

Leo XIV's return to realism and formalism at the Vatican

One year after his election as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, Francis's successor, stands out from the Argentine pontiff in his approach, yet maintains a through line on substance.

Published on May 8, 2026, at 6:00 am (Paris), updated on May 8, 2026, at 7:57 am Sarah Belouezzane

Interview

French Interior Minister Nuñez: 'I have no problem with Islam in France. But I fight those who use it to undermine our Republic'

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez shares his view on the relationship between Islam and the French Republic. He reveals the contents of a bill he is presenting, aimed at combating 'separatism' and 'entryism.'

Published on May 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Christophe Ayad Louise Couvelaire

Op-Ed

'The US and American Catholicism have both entered a critical phase for their identities'

Religious studies professor Massimo Faggioli reflects on the history of the relationship between the White House and the papacy in a period of unprecedented tensions.

Published on April 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Massimo Faggioli

Explainer

Understanding the (suspended) bill against antisemitism in French Parliament

A bill presented by MP Caroline Yadan was supposed to be debated last week in the Assemblée Nationale. But it was pulled from the agenda after a controversy over its content.

Published on April 20, 2026, at 4:00 pm (Paris) Julien Lemaignen

News

UK police arrest two teenagers in arson attack on London synagogue

The London force has been investigating whether this and similar attacks have been instigated by Iranian proxies, as Britain's chief rabbi warned of 'a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation' against Jews in the UK.

Published on April 20, 2026, at 10:47 am (Paris), updated on April 20, 2026, at 10:49 am Le Monde with AFP

Explainer

What is the controversial bill on antisemitism French MPs are debating?

MP Caroline Yadan has been accused of trying to silence criticism of Israel with her bill, which aims to 'combat new forms of antisemitism.' A petition against the text has gathered over 700,000 signatures.

Published on April 16, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on April 16, 2026, at 3:24 pm Lucas Minisini

News

Pope's first day in Algeria marred by failed suicide attack near Algiers

Two men blew themselves up on Monday in downtown Blida, about 40 kilometers south of the Algerian capital, without causing any casualties other than themselves. Leo XIV had arrived just hours earlier in Algiers for the first visit by a pope to the country.

Published on April 14, 2026, at 11:51 am (Paris), updated on April 14, 2026, at 1:55 pm Sarah Belouezzane Frédéric Bobin Simon Roger

In Depth

'Enough of war!': Pope Leo XIV publicly opposes Trump, who fiercely criticizes him in return

The head of the Catholic Church, who has repeatedly called for an end to the conflicts in Iran and Lebanon, has received sustained criticism from the US president.

Published on April 13, 2026, at 11:47 am (Paris), updated on April 13, 2026, at 12:29 pm Sarah Belouezzane

News

In Algeria, the pope follows in the footsteps of the country's Christian history and reaches out to Muslims

On Monday, Leo XIV will become the first pontiff in history to visit Algeria, birthplace of the renowned Christian philosopher Saint Augustine. It was in Hippo, now Annaba, that the theologian wrote his most significant works in the fourth century.

Published on April 13, 2026, at 5:27 am (Paris), updated on April 13, 2026, at 7:51 am Sarah Belouezzane

News

Pope says he is 'closer than ever' to Lebanese people

The 70-year-old pontiff told the crowd at St Peter's Square on Sunday that 'the principal of humanity' is 'the moral obligation to protect the civilian population' from war.

Published on April 12, 2026, at 1:45 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Pope embarks on African tour, a strategic continent for Catholicism

From April 13 to 23, Pope Léon XIV is set to visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The trip symbolizes the shift in the center of gravity of the Catholic Church, whose future now lies in Africa.

Published on April 12, 2026, at 1:01 pm (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

News

Macron and Pope Leo XIV call for Middle East dialogue

Their first encounter between the French president and the US-born pontiff at the Vatican blended warm personal moments with a sharp rebuke of 'senseless and inhuman violence' in the Middle East.

Published on April 10, 2026, at 5:56 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Nearly half of French people say they've been victims of racism, survey finds

Exposure to racist violence and discrimination was overwhelmingly reported among visible minorities. Religious affiliation was identified as the second major factor of exposure.

Published on April 9, 2026, at 11:43 am (Paris) Louise Couvelaire

News

Pope Leo urges 'those who have the power to unleash wars' to 'choose peace'

In his first Easter blessing as pontiff, the pope also spoke of 'a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil.'

Published on April 5, 2026, at 3:09 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News analysis

The rise of Evangelicals is transforming French Protestantism

Traditionally discreet and generally liberal on moral issues, French Protestantism is being shaken by the dynamism of the Evangelical movement and its younger, more conservative members, who are more open about their faith in the public sphere.

Published on April 5, 2026, at 8:00 am (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

News

During Pope Leo XIV's first Easter vigil, a call for harmony and peace in a war-torn world

The pope called on the faithful to make a commitment to bring peace and harmony 'everywhere and always throughout the world.' Amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and Russia's ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities.

Published on April 5, 2026, at 12:17 am (Paris), updated on April 5, 2026, at 9:15 am Le Monde with AP

News

Israel backtracks, grants Latin Patriarch access to Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the decision after police denied the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity's holiest site, causing worldwide uproar.

Published on March 29, 2026, at 5:10 pm (Paris), updated on March 30, 2026, at 7:21 am Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Behind the scenes of the pope's unexpected visit to Monaco

To the surprise of many observers and French bishops, Leo XIV is visiting the city-state on Saturday. He is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Prince Albert II, and then to meet with youth and catechumens before celebrating Mass at the Stade Louis-II.

Published on March 28, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on March 28, 2026, at 11:10 am Sarah Belouezzane

News

French court orders ex-bishop to pay more than €160,000 over 1970s child sex abuse

The Paris Court of Appeals on Thursday ordered former bishop Jean-Michel di Falco to pay damages to a man who accused him of rape and sexual assault in the 1970s.

Published on March 26, 2026, at 2:25 pm (Paris), updated on March 27, 2026, at 1:47 pm Le Monde with AFP

Interview

Ivan Jablonka, historian: 'The use of last names is a particular trait of antisemitism'

After the controversy sparked by Jean-Luc Mélenchon's mocking remarks about the pronunciation of the names Jeffrey Epstein and Raphaël Glucksmann, the historian revisits the obsession with Jewish names in France.

Published on March 16, 2026, at 12:10 am (Paris) Anne Chemin

News

What the Greek myth of Pandora reveals about the deep-seated fear of women

By opening a jar entrusted to her by the gods, Pandora becomes the instrument of their vengeance against rebellious humans and unleashes a torrent of plagues upon her fellow mortals. This misogynistic myth seems to contain all the resentments one half of humanity harbors against the other.

Published on March 8, 2026, at 7:50 pm (Paris) Aurélie Godefroy

Feature

Paris synagogue celebrates Purim amid concerns over Israel's offensive in Iran

On Monday and Tuesday, Jewish worshippers commemorate the biblical story of Queen Esther's victory over a high-ranking Persian official who threatened her people. The narrative resonates this year as Israel, backed by the US, is attacking the Iranian regime, in a conflict that has reignited fears of a new wave of antisemitism in France.

Published on March 3, 2026, at 6:16 pm (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

Interview

'The unnatural alliance between Trump and White evangelicals has cost them dearly, even if it allowed them to gain positions of power'

Historian Sébastien Fath discusses the history and dynamics of evangelical Protestant churches in an interview with Le Monde. Despite their current vibrancy, their growth is not inevitable, the researcher argues.

Published on February 25, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris) Virginie Larousse

In Depth

Understanding Ramadan in 9 questions

Ramadan begins on February 18 this year. It is a holy month for Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam. Le Monde breaks down the religious practice into nine key points.

Published on February 18, 2026, at 2:09 pm (Paris), updated on February 18, 2026, at 2:11 pm Le Monde

News

Belgium summons US ambassador for accusing officials of antisemitism

US diplomat Bill White accused the Antwerp prosecutor's office of antisemitism after it launched an investigation into illegal circumcision practices within the Orthodox Jewish community.

Published on February 18, 2026, at 12:02 pm (Paris) Jean-Pierre Stroobants

News

Saudia Arabia announces Ramadan will start on Wednesday

Many Muslim-majority countries around the world follow Saudi Arabia in determining the start of Ramadan.

Published on February 17, 2026, at 5:50 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2026, at 5:54 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Paris's Grand Mosque releases guide on adapting Islam to France

'We need to explain Islam to the Republic and explain the Republic to Muslims,' said Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the rector of this emblematic Muslim place of worship in Paris,

Published on February 15, 2026, at 11:44 pm (Paris), updated on February 16, 2026, at 9:46 am Sarah Belouezzane

News

Vatican asks ultraconservative Society of Saint Pius X to 'suspend' its plan to ordain bishops

The superior of the Society of Saint Pius X, heir to Marcel Lefebvre, traveled to Rome as the group entered into a standoff with Pope Leo XIV.

Published on February 15, 2026, at 1:54 am (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

News

Macron condemns 'antisemitic hydra' that 'continues to grow'

Twenty years to the day after the premeditated murder of a young Jewish man, the French president delivered a speech on Friday expressing his desire to see the introduction of 'mandatory ineligibility' for elected officials convicted of 'antisemitic, racist and discriminatory acts and remarks.'

Published on February 14, 2026, at 1:28 pm (Paris), updated on February 15, 2026, at 9:04 pm Louise Couvelaire

Op-Ed

'In the US, Christian nationalism contributes to the dismantling of democracy'

Academic Julie Ingersoll shows how the three main currents that make up Christian nationalism have diverged from the ideals that shaped the early United States, by promoting the concept of a theocratic society governed by those chosen by God.

Published on February 6, 2026, at 5:17 pm (Paris) Julie Ingersoll

Investigation

Workshops to 'love each other for the long haul': When the Church comes to the aid of couples

What if priests provided aftercare for marriage? Parishes and Catholic organizations in France are organizing gatherings for couples in difficulty, blending the word of God, practical advice and common sense.

Published on February 3, 2026, at 4:28 am (Paris) Sevin Rey-Sahin

Long Read

'Architect of God' Antonio Gaudí could be beatified as anniversary of death approaches

The year 2026 will mark the consecration of Barcelona's basilica, the Sagrada Família, whose tallest tower is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated in June in the presence of Pope Leo XIV. For some of the faithful, the astonishing building stands as a testament to the extraordinary faith of its creator, whose beatification they are calling for.

Published on February 2, 2026, at 10:57 am (Paris), updated on February 3, 2026, at 5:43 pm Sarah Belouezzane

Investigation

China's crackdown on a village of defiant Christians

Videos, testimonies and satellite footage obtained by Le Monde reveal the scale of the repression of part of the Chinese Christian community.

Published on January 30, 2026, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on March 9, 2026, at 11:39 am Anna Kessler Elsa Delmas

News

Benedictine nuns of Montmartre spent 40 years 'under duress,' report finds

An independent investigation, commissioned by the congregation of the iconic Paris neighborhood, reported that former prioress general Mother Marie-Agnès ruled through an atmosphere of 'terror and suspicion' up to her death in 2016. The control of food and body weight of the congregation's members was central to the superior's domination.

Published on January 16, 2026, at 1:34 am (Paris), updated on January 17, 2026, at 6:43 pm Sarah Belouezzane

Your stories

'Anything can be considered a form of devotion. In my own way, I try to make the world a better place': Romain's conversion to the Bahá'í faith

'Changing Faith' (6/11). Why do people choose a particular religion? Romain, a 30-year-old psychomotor therapist at a Paris hospital, began his search for transcendence as a teenager. That search led him to this monotheistic faith, founded in Iran, which he believes resonates with today's world.

Published on January 13, 2026, at 5:09 am (Paris), updated on January 13, 2026, at 10:35 am Virginie Larousse

In Depth

Moses with a selfie stick, Goliath at a weightlifting competition: How AI gives the sacred new life

On the internet, humorous videos are breathing new life into religious scenes. Sometimes serious but more often funny or parodic, they have found success on social media and are contributing to the invention of a new iconography.

Published on January 11, 2026, at 1:22 am (Paris), updated on January 12, 2026, at 3:07 pm Fabien Trécourt

Your stories

Annika's conversion to Sufism: 'For years, I limited myself to practicing the whirling dervish dance, trying to convince myself that Islam did not interest me'

Why does one choose a religion? Eleven people recount their spiritual journeys. Annika, 59, of Norwegian origin, has lived in France for about 30 years. Protestant by family tradition, she chose Sufi Islam in 2013.

Published on January 10, 2026, at 4:00 am (Paris), updated on January 10, 2026, at 4:38 am Virginie Larousse

Your stories

'The monk radiated kindness and love. I thought: I want to be like that': Pierrick's conversion to Buddhism

'Changing Faith' (4/11). Why do people choose a particular religion? Raised Catholic, Pierrick Wattez, 49, found his path to Buddhism through the teachings of the Dalai Lama and through discussions with his godmother.

Published on January 5, 2026, at 12:41 am (Paris), updated on January 5, 2026, at 9:10 am Gaétan Supertino

Feature

Early Christian fresco depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd discovered in Turkey

One month after Pope Leo XIV's visit, Turkish authorities announced the discovery in Iznik, Anatolia, of a depiction of Christ in a well-preserved burial chamber.

Published on January 1, 2026, at 5:30 am (Paris) Nicolas Bourcier

Your stories

'In the beginning, I was very diligent, more than other believers from Muslim backgrounds': Grégory's conversion to Islam

'Changing Faith' (3/11). Why do people choose a particular religion? Attracted from a young age to Islam, Grégory Gonty, a 35-year-old Belgian social worker, became Muslim at the age of 21. The fervent believer has since become a knowledgeable and inquisitive practitioner.

Published on December 31, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on December 31, 2025, at 8:19 am Gaétan Supertino

In Depth

Trump, the Apocalypse and King David: A theological reading of the US president

Since his first term, the American president has frequently made apocalyptic and messianic references. Some supporters compare him to biblical figures such as King David, appealing particularly to evangelical Christians, who make up about one-fifth of Americans.

Published on December 28, 2025, at 1:11 pm (Paris) Virginie Larousse

In Depth

Why more young people are turning to religion

Many researchers have observed a resurgence of religious commitment among young people in France, often accompanied by a certain rigorism. This renewed spiritual quest is linked both to the anxieties of our era and, at times, a search for identity.

Published on December 25, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

Interview

Anthropologist Anton Serdeczny: 'The magic of Christmas is a time when the worlds of the living and the dead open up to one another'

In a fascinating investigation into the Yule log, the historian developed an innovative approach to the magical dimension that has been attributed for millennia to the night of December 24, which he revisited in an interview with Le Monde.

Published on December 24, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Paris) Youness Bousenna

Your stories

'I dove into the water and came out saying to myself, 'This is my new baptism, I am Jewish'': Maud's conversion to Judaism

'Changing Faith' (2/11). Why do people choose a particular religion? Maud, a 46-year-old television journalist who has been drawn to spirituality since childhood, shares the journey that led her to liberal Judaism.

Published on December 23, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Yoanna Sultan-R'bibo

News

In Paris, an almost unknown chapel is drawing millions of tourists

By 2025, Notre-Dame-de-la-Médaille-Miraculeuse in Paris will have welcomed around three million visitors from across the globe. This is a record, and yet it remains almost entirely unknown to Parisians.

Published on December 22, 2025, at 3:00 am (Paris), updated on December 22, 2025, at 3:27 am Jessica Gourdon

Your stories

'The Gospel is a bombshell. 'Love your neighbor' is such a radical message': Charlotte's conversion to Catholicism

'Changing Faith' (1/11). Why do people choose a particular religion? Charlotte, a 23-year-old philosophy student in Paris, embraced Christianity as a teenager, but maintains her distance from the Church as an institution. She recounts her spiritual journey.

Published on December 20, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Virginie Larousse