Pope Benedict XVI will travel to France in September on an official visit that will include trips to Paris and Lourdes.The Pope will travel to the French capital on 12 September and will meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his official residence, the Elysee Palace, where he will also give a speech.
He is also expected to celebrate mass with priests and other church officials before addressing French youth outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
On 13 September, the pontiff will celebrate mass in the heart of Paris before he travels to the town of Lourdes to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's reputed appearance there.
Lourdes has attracted Catholic pilgrims from around the world since Mary, the mother of Jesus, was said to have appeared in 1858 to the shepherdess Bernadette Soubirous.
The waters of the French shrine are said to have miraculous healing powers and the Pope is scheduled to visit the shrine.
On Sunday, 14 September, the pontiff will celebrate Mass before he meets French bishops.
Benedict's trip to France follows a successful visit to the United States in April this year. During his visit he met US President George W. Bush.
The pontiff is currently at his summer residence outside Rome and is due to travel to Australia on 12 July for World Youth Day, an event that is expected to attract 500,000 pilgrims from around the world.
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