- Pope Leo XIV's visit to Maison Bakhita in Paris has been confirmed by the Vatican in August.
- Valérie Moniod expressed immense joy and honor at the Pope's visit, noting that they received many messages from the people they welcome.
- Maison Bakhita was founded five years ago following Pope Francis's call to protect and integrate migrants.
- Maison Bakhita is a home that welcomes any person in exile, migrants, or refugees, without asking about their administrative situation.
- All activities at Maison Bakhita are carried out by 130 volunteers, enabling them to welcome almost 150 people every day.
- The Cafe Bonjour, opened at the beginning of this year, operates twice a week to stimulate interest of local Parisians.
- St. Bakhita is a holy woman who died around 1947, came from Africa, and was a slave from age seven.
Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to Maison Bakhita in Paris has been met with enthusiasm from President Valérie Moniod, who described it as an immense joy and honor. The center, run by the Archdiocese of Paris, serves as a sanctuary for migrants and refugees, welcoming nearly 150 individuals daily through the efforts of 130 volunteers.235
Moniod expressed her excitement, stating, "It's an immense joy. A joy. It's an honor." The confirmation of the Pope's visit in August sparked a wave of messages from those connected to the center, highlighting the community's support.
Maison Bakhita, established five years ago in response to Pope Francis's call to assist migrants, operates on the principle of unconditional welcome. Moniod emphasized, "We don't ask them why they have come to France or about their administrative situation. We just welcome them with a name, eventually their country of origin, their homeland, and that's all." The center also features the Cafe Bonjour, a new initiative aimed at fostering connections between local Parisians and the residents of Maison Bakhita.6
The legacy of St. Bakhita, a former slave who found her humanity through faith, inspires the mission of the center, which continues to serve those in vulnerable situations.7
“Maison Bakhita, founded five years ago after Pope Francis's call to protect migrants, welcomes nearly 150 people daily with 130 volunteers. The Vatican confirmed the visit in August, and Moniod says they received many messages from the people they welcome.”
