Pope's first France visit

It's his first visit to France as Pope and the Elysee Palace was his first stop.

He discussed the role of religion in a secular society with President Nicolas Sarkozy - a leader who rarely attends mass but considers himself a "cultural Catholic."

France maintains a strict separation of church and state - the mere mention of your personal faith has traditionally been taboo for politicians.

But religion has returned to the public life in recent years and the French leader says he welcomes that.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY SAYING:

"I call once again for a positive secularism. A secularism that respects and brings people together and that promotes dialogue - not one that excludes or denounces. In this era a positive secularism allows us to go beyond our faiths and rituals in order to discuss the sense that we want to give to our existence."

The 81-year-old Pontiff was equally keen to persuade the French people that religion can contribute to a modern secular society.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) POPE BENEDICT SAYING:

"At this moment in history, when cultures continue to cross paths more frequently, I am firmly convinced that a new reflection on the true meaning and importance of secularism is now necessary. In fact, it is fundamental, on the one hand, to insist on the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the State towards them.

The German-born Pope knows France well.

He speaks fluent French and will deliver an address on faith and culture to 700 intellectuals and artists.

He'll also celebrate open-air mass in Paris and visit Lourdes - the popular Catholic pilgrimage site.

It's celebrating the 150th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary there.

The Pope will no doubt hope to avoid controversy on this trip.

It's exactly two years since he made the Regensburg speech that angered Muslims.

denounce To condemn openly as being evil or reprehensible.
realm A field, sphere, or province: the realm of science.