Notre Dame de Boulogne earns historic basilica status after 700 years
Notre Dame de Boulogne has officially become France's 176th minor basilica. The elevation, granted by Pope Francis on June 29, was celebrated in a Mass led by Bishop Matthieu Rougé of Nanterre on January 12. A large crowd gathered for the ceremony, with many parishioners standing outside the church. The church's new status follows a long history tied to royal ambition. In 1319, King Philip V laid its foundation stone, fulfilling a wish by his predecessor, Philippe le Bel, to recreate the Boulogne-sur-Mer sanctuary near Paris. Over the centuries, Notre Dame de Boulogne grew into a significant place of devotion, meeting the Vatican's criteria for historical importance, pastoral purpose, and deep spiritual connection.
Bishop Rougé presided over the elevation Mass, emphasising the church's original role as a pilgrimage site. He hopes the basilica title will revive this tradition. Father Roger Villegas, parish priest since 2021, now serves as the basilica's rector. The church's name reflects its origins, linked to the ancient town of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Meanwhile, its location in Boulogne-Billancourt marks a shift from the area's industrial past. Once home to Renault's vast factories—employing over 30,000 workers by the 1950s—the suburb has transformed into a hub for tech, media, and luxury services, with a GDP per capita far above the national average.
The basilica's new rank highlights its enduring spiritual and cultural role. Notre Dame de Boulogne now joins a select list of 176 French basilicas. The title is expected to draw more pilgrims and strengthen the church's place in the community.
