Hundreds of thousands expected in Paris for Pope’s visit
Pope Leo XIV embarks on a four-day visit to France on Friday, with the highpoint being a giant Mass attended by more than half a million people in central Paris.
Over half a million Catholics are expected to gather in Paris for Pope Leo XIV's four-day visit, with the highlight being a massive Mass on the Place de la Concorde. President Emmanuel Macron will greet the Pope at Orly airport and hold talks on geopolitical matters in Paris. The Pope's itinerary includes stops in Metz, Lourdes, and a visit to the fire-devastated Notre-Dame cathedral.
Despite tensions between Macron and the Vatican team, 150,000 have signed up for a mass in Lourdes, and Macron will also meet migrants and victims of clergy sexual abuse. France has a complex relationship with the Catholic Church, having been the "Eldest Daughter of the Church" but now only 5% of the population identifies as Catholic.
Cardinal François Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio, believes the Pope's visit will awaken the spiritual roots of the French people.
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