Pope Leo XIV visits France: 700k join Paris open-air Mass
Pope Leo XIV praised youth enthusiasm as an estimated 700,000 people gathered for an open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde on day two of his four-day France trip.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Pope Leo XIV embarks on a four-day official visit to France.
- An estimated 700,000 people attend the open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
- The Pope cautions against the dangers of artificial intelligence during his trip.
- Senior French politicians and presidential candidates attend the religious services.
Pope Leo XIV praised the enthusiasm, energy, and commitment that young people bring to the Catholic Church during a massive open-air Mass in central Paris, France, drawing dense crowds of devoted followers.
An estimated 700,000 people gathered for the Mass celebrated by the Pope from a special altar at the Place de la Concorde on the second day of his four-day itinerary in France. Earlier, he rode down the Champs-Élysées Avenue in an open-topped popemobile, waving to the cheering crowds lining the streets.
Several high-ranking French politicians attended the service, including Brigitte Macron, wife of President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and Senate President Gérard Larcher. Potential candidates for next year's presidential election, such as Marine Le Pen, Bruno Retailleau, Édouard Philippe, and Gabriel Attal, were also spotted at the venue.
"How beautiful it is to see your enthusiasm, energy and commitment, and the joy you bring to Christian communities."
Pope Leo XIV
On Friday, the Pope was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron and met with 80,000 young people at the Stade de France. He also visited the Maison Bakhita refugee support center and issued an early warning regarding the risks of artificial intelligence at the Élysée Palace, cautioning against losing humanity among machines.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The visit of Pope Leo XIV to France carries both spiritual and geopolitical significance, bridging the Catholic Church with pressing modern issues such as immigration, women's societal roles, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in an increasingly automated world.
The pontiff's journey continues with approximately 150,000 people signed up for Sunday's Mass in the Pyrenean sanctuary of Lourdes, followed by a Monday trip to Metz to honor European Union founding father Robert Schuman.
Source: BBC World
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