Pope Leo has begun a visit to France, the first papal trip to the country in 18 years.

The pontiff arrived in Paris for a multi-day journey with diplomatic and pastoral goals, the article reports.

France's president formally welcomed him at a high-security arrival ceremony.

Hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to line the streets of Paris during the visit.

The article says France's deeply secular politics present a unique diplomatic challenge for the Vatican.

In his addresses, the pope stressed international diplomacy and multilateralism.

He urged France to remain a steadfast champion of peace in a fractured world.

Security forces are on high alert, with transit restrictions and crowd control across Paris.

Read the full article on Pope Leo's visit to France.