The recent visit of Pope Léon XIV to France, which took place from September 25 to 28, has sparked concerns over the financial burden it places on the Catholic Church. The estimated cost of the visit has risen to 27 million euros—more than double the initial projection of 12 million euros. The Church is now seeking several tens of millions of euros to cover the expenses, which include organizing a large mass for over 600,000 attendees at the Champs-Elysées, setting up large screens, and providing sanitation facilities. Unlike in other countries, the French government does not provide financial support for such events, except for the Pope’s passage through the city of Metz. Sylvie Bretones, who oversees the funding for the papal visit, noted the challenge of providing free access to the event while still incurring substantial costs. Complicating matters further is the Church’s policy of not asking the faithful to pay for the event. This contrasts with the approach in Spain, where about half of the estimated 25 million euro cost of a papal visit was covered by donations from companies, foundations, and wealthy individuals. In France, however, businesses are generally more reluctant to support religious events, reflecting the country’s strong secular traditions and cautious approach to religious influence in public life. To help cover the costs, the Church has tried raising funds through the sale of merchandise and public appeals. However, these efforts have not been enough to meet the full financial requirement. The Church is also considering using sponsorships, a method previously used during events like the World Youth Day in Madrid and Krakow. However, this approach has been controversial, with critics arguing it could compromise the Church’s independence and integrity. The financial challenges of hosting the Pope are not new. Previous visits by popes such as John Paul II and Francis have also resulted in significant expenses. In some countries, the costs have been even higher—such as in Cameroon, where the government spent over 76 million euros on the Pope’s visit, including the construction of roads that were later abandoned. Similarly, the 2024 visit of Pope Francis to East Timor cost 12 million euros, with a large portion of that sum going toward building a massive altar, which has since faced criticism from local groups. In the UK, the state has historically covered some of the costs of papal visits, but in France, the Church must bear the full financial burden. As the costs continue to mount, the financial strain of hosting the Pope remains a growing concern for both the Church and the broader community.