Pope Leo XIV has praised the energy and commitment of young Catholics as hundreds of thousands of people gathered in central Paris for a major open-air Mass during his four-day visit to France.
The Mass at the Place de la Concorde on Saturday marked the largest public event of the Pope’s visit. The Vatican estimated the crowd at around 700,000, while Reuters reported an estimate of about 800,000.
Before the service, Pope Leo travelled along the Champs-Élysées in his open-topped popemobile, waving to crowds gathered along the famous avenue. He then celebrated Mass from a specially constructed altar at the Place de la Concorde.
Addressing worshippers, Leo urged Catholics not to keep their faith private but to allow it to influence the way they engage with others. He also singled out young people, describing them as an important part of the Church today.
“How beautiful it is to see your enthusiasm, energy and commitment, and the joy you bring to Christian communities,” he said.
The Pope’s visit has attracted significant political and public attention in France. President Emmanuel Macron met Leo on Friday but did not attend Saturday’s Mass, in keeping with France’s strict separation between church and state. Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Senate President Gérard Larcher were among those present.
Several prominent political figures were also seen at the event, including National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, conservative politician Bruno Retailleau, former prime ministers Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal.
Earlier on Saturday, Leo visited the Maison Bakhita centre, which supports migrants and refugees. He praised its work and highlighted what he called the “fundamental role of women in building a civilisation of love.”
The Pope has also used his visit to address wider social issues. On Friday, speaking at the Élysée Palace, he warned about the risks of artificial intelligence and urged people not to lose their humanity in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The France visit is Pope Leo’s first official trip to the country and the first papal visit there in 18 years. His itinerary continues on Sunday with a Mass at Lourdes, where around 150,000 people are expected, before he travels to Metz on Monday to honour Robert Schuman, one of the founding figures of the European Union.
