Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Paris Draws Hundreds of Thousands

Pope Leo XIV addressed approximately 800,000 people in Paris on Saturday during a large open-air Mass. This event took place in the heart of the city, urging Catholics to share their faith amidst an increasingly secular society.

Crowds with flags thronged the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde as the pope traveled around 1.2 miles in the popemobile before leading the Mass. The Vatican reported attendance at 800,000, higher than the pre-registered count of 600,000. Families gathered to catch a glimpse of the pope through the streets.

Seeing you gathered here, Leo remarked to attendees, recognizing them as heirs of France’s deep-rooted faith history. He encouraged French Catholics to share this heritage widely.

The setting of Place de la Concorde is significant, being a former execution ground during the French Revolution where significant figures like King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed. This location choice led to some controversy due to France’s tradition of strict secularism.

Leo’s presence contrasts with another Paris event two years prior during the 2024 Summer Olympics, which included a controversial opening ceremony. The ceremony was seen by critics as mocking Christianity, though event organizers denied these claims.

Currently, France is seeing an increase in adult conversions even as overall participation declines. There have been 13,000 adult baptisms this year, a rise since 2016, but overall baptisms have decreased.

Leo thanked the assembled crowd, especially young people and new Christians, describing society as increasingly secularized. The day before the Mass, 80,000 young people gathered at France’s national stadium for a vigil with a historic retelling of Catholicism in the country.

During the Mass, Leo spoke of France’s Catholic legacy and referred to saints such as Irenaeus and Francis de Sales, while also mentioning life, family, and unity. The attendance at the Mass was comparable to past large public gatherings like France’s World Cup victories.

Pope Leo’s visit to France, from September 25 to 28, marks the first papal visit since Benedict XVI’s in 2008, including stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. His schedule featured a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron and a prayer service at Notre-Dame Cathedral.