From François to Léon XIV: the Vatican stands up to Macron on Notre-Dame

The Holy See rejected several protocol requests from the Élysée regarding Pope Léon XIV's visit to France, scheduled for September 25-28. Emmanuel Macron wanted a military welcome and a private moment at Notre-Dame, but these requests were not accepted. The official program includes only the pope presiding over vespers, with no official meal or guided tour of the cathedral. This refusal echoes the precedent set by François, who also avoided the Notre-Dame reopening ceremony in 2024.