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Pope Visits Maison Bakhita as Church Expects 13,200 Baptisms

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:13 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV began his second day in Paris with a visit to Maison Bakhita migrant centre.
He told migrants the centre shows people can live together in dignity and peace.
He listened to Maison Bakhita’s director during the visit.
The Catholic Church of France expects 13,200 adult baptisms in 2026, a 28% rise from 2025.
It also expects 8,200 baptisms of 11-17-year-olds in 2026, up 10% from 2025.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV began his second day in Paris with a visit to Maison Bakhita migrant centre.
He told migrants the centre shows people can live together in dignity and peace.
He listened to Maison Bakhita’s director during the visit.
The Catholic Church of France expects 13,200 adult baptisms in 2026, a 28% rise from 2025.
It also expects 8,200 baptisms of 11-17-year-olds in 2026, up 10% from 2025.