Day devoted to the Pope in French Catholic schools sparks controversy

Just days before the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, who’s in France from 25 to 28 September, the decision to hold a “compulsory” school day devoted to the pontiff in Catholic schools is raising questions and has sparked a debate over secularism.

In an internal memo dated 10 September, and revealed by the left leaning daily Libération, the General Secretariat for Catholic Education (Sgec), headed by Guillaume Prévost, asks state-funded private schools under contract to treat Friday 25 September, the day Leo XIV arrives, as a special day and to replace regular lessons with activities focused on the Pope, the Catholic Church and various social issues.

This day must “be compulsory for pupils as well as for all teachers and staff, in the same way as any other school day”, the document specifies.

A school day in honour of Leo XIV

In primary schools, the Sgec suggests making paper doves or a mural on peace and introducing pupils to the Vatican and the role of the pope. In lower and upper secondary, pupils will be able in particular to study the speech Leo XIV is due to deliver at UNESCO or work on the theme of the “civilisation of love”.

Other activities are proposed around peace, fraternity, artificial intelligence, tackling bullying and preventing violence.

The Sgec stresses, however, that the obligation to attend does not entail “any obligation in terms of belief”. Explicitly religious activities, such as prayer or hymns, must remain optional.

To justify holding this day during school hours, the Sgec invokes the rescheduling of the “educational communities day”, which is usually held at the beginning of December.

This explanation is contested by Laëtitia Bramoullé, spokesperson for the collective ‘Stop aux souffrances dans les établissements catholiques’ (Stop Suffering in Catholic Schools), who told Libération that no such nationwide day exists in this form.

Another point of contention is the fact that this day would replace regular classes, even though state-funded private schools under contract are required to follow the national curriculum.

The Sgec, for its part, considers that the educational communities day can “break with the strict framework of the timetabled lesson” and be held “legitimately during school hours”. The Catholic body also recommends that teachers’ participation be recognised as working time.

“No spiritual time nor any religious practice can be imposed”

Asked by Euronews, the Ministry of National Education recalls that “a state-funded private school under contract may devote school time to a particular theme, such as tackling bullying or introducing pupils to different professions”.

“In the private sector under contract, this time may also reflect the specific ethos of the school,” it adds.

The ministry nevertheless sets two limits. First, freedom of conscience must be respected: “no spiritual time nor any religious practice can be imposed on pupils or staff”.

Second, “the Sgec has no hierarchical authority over schools” and may therefore suggest this initiative, but not impose the suspension of normal lessons for the day. The decision to organise such a day “rests with each school, within this framework”, the ministry points out.

Secularism, a debate rekindled by papal events

In France, events linked to the papacy regularly reignite debate over the place of religion in the public sphere.

In April 2025, the government’s decision to fly flags on public buildings at half-mast for the funeral of Pope Francis drew criticism. Several political leaders saw it as a breach of the principle of state neutrality, while the executive invoked the pope’s status as a head of state.

In 2023, Emmanuel Macron’s presence at the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in Marseille had also prompted reactions. This time, the head of state will not attend any of the Masses celebrated by Leo XIV during his visit to France.

For the open-air Mass scheduled for Saturday in Place de la Concorde and on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, he will be represented by his wife Brigitte Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the presidency announced on Tuesday.

Emmanuel Macron will nonetheless welcome Leo XIV on his arrival and receive him at the Élysée.

In France, Catholic education accounts for around 17% of all pupils in primary and lower and upper secondary education, totalling more than 2 million pupils.