Pope Leo draws 800,000 people to open-air mass in Paris
Speaking to a crowd stretching the length of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Pope Leo urged Catholics to find happiness in faith, not material things.
An estimated 800,000 people descended upon central Paris for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo XIV on Saturday. The pontiff's message urged Catholics to find happiness through faith rather than material possessions. As the crowds stretched along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, chants of "Leo, Leo" and "Long live the Pope" filled the boulevard, leading to the Arc de Triomphe.
The massive turnout exceeded the 200,000 advance registration numbers, with onlookers forming barriers to catch a glimpse of the pontiff as he arrived in an open-top Popemobile, pausing to bless those in need. Notable attendees included the French president's wife and French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. The Pope's message focused on the importance of faith in providing true happiness amid a world plagued by materialism and evil.
As part of his four-day, three-city tour of France, Pope Leo also visited Lourdes, a popular pilgrimage site, and addressed French victims of clergy abuse.
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- Pope Leo attracts 700,000 worshipers to Paris Mass in historic France visit cbsnews.com
- Hundreds of thousands in Paris cheer Pope Leo in largest event of French tour channelnewsasia.com
- Pope Leo XIV draws 800,000 faithful to Paris before emotional Lourdes pilgrimage euronews.com
- Pope Leo XIV addresses youth at giant Paris Mass france24.com
- Hundreds of thousands in Paris cheer Pope Leo in largest event of French tour theage.com.au
- Hundreds of thousands in Paris cheer Pope Leo in largest event of French tour smh.com.au
- Watch: Thousands turn out to see Pope during Lourdes and Paris visit bbc.co.uk
