Pope Leo draws 800,000 people to central Paris for open-air Mass on iconic square
PARIS — Hundreds of thousands of people packed Paris’ iconic Champs-Élysées avenue to attend an open-air Mass with Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, a sign of the Catholic Church’s enduring appeal in the once staunchly Catholic but officially secular country. The Vatican estimated that 800,000 people attended — about 200,000 more than the number who had registered in advance. The turnout testified to the…
Paris witnessed an extraordinary gathering on Saturday as Pope Leo XIV led an open-air Mass on the famous Champs-Élysées avenue, drawing an estimated 800,000 attendees. This figure exceeds the 600,000 people who had pre-registered for the event, underscoring the enduring appeal of the Catholic Church in France. Despite a decline in religious observance and church attendance throughout Europe, the event highlighted the church's continued influence in the country.
The American pontiff greeted the enthusiastic crowds, who cheered and waved flags as Pope Leo traveled from the grand boulevard to the iconic Place de la Concorde. The Mass was held in the heart of Paris, a symbol of the French republic, and marked a significant moment in the spiritual life of the nation.
In his homily, Pope Leo urged the faithful to share their faith with others, encouraging them to "let it overflow" and refresh those they encountered. The Pope fervently prayed that the "living water of the Holy Spirit" would flow throughout France, reminding the congregation of the church's mission to spread its message of hope and salvation.
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