Hundreds of thousands expected in Paris for Pope’s visit

Pope Leo XIV has begun a four-day visit to France, the Vatican's first official trip to the European nation in 18 years. Hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful are expected to gather in Paris for a series of events, including a major Mass at Place de la Concorde. According to Gulf News, a million people are expected at events across Paris during the first two days of his trip.

The Pope was welcomed at the Élysée Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron, and the two leaders are holding closed-door talks on international geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and peace. The pontiff will also deliver a speech at the Élysée Palace. France 24 reports that the Pope's agenda includes discussions on artificial intelligence, young believers, and the continent's future.

The Pope's visit includes a stop at Lourdes, a pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide, and Metz, near the German border. According to People Daily Kenya, the highlight of the visit will be Saturday's Mass at Place de la Concorde, where an altar has been set up. The Local France notes that artificial intelligence, young believers, and the continent's future are near the top of the Pope's agenda.

Brief written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya, France 24, The Local France, Gulf News — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.