Pope Leo XIV visits Lourdes after giant Paris mass to meet clergy abuse victims

On Saturday, an estimated 800,000 people gathered along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris to witness Pope Leo deliver an outdoor Mass, marking the largest event of his French tour. The boulevard, extending roughly 2 km (1.2 miles), from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, was filled with enthusiastic spectators, pressing against security barriers to catch a glimpse of the Pope.

Chants of "Leo, Leo" and "Long live the Pope" echoed throughout the crowd as they waved Vatican flags and cheered in support. Notable attendees included Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, and billionaire Bernard Arnault. Pope Leo's sermon emphasized the importance of finding happiness through faith, rather than material possessions, urging Catholics to resist materialism and distractions.

The Pope also expressed concerns about the direction of global leadership and the development of artificial intelligence, warning that they could create a future where machines control the Earth. Pierre-Marie Estienne, a father of four, highlighted the significance of the Pope's message of hope and love in an era of materialism.

Vatican flags were prominently displayed among the crowd, indicating deep support for the Pope's visit. Afterwards, Pope Leo visited newly baptized Catholics at the Catholic University of Paris, urging the French Church to be cautious and recognize the small flame of faith that has emerged amidst challenges.