Pope Leo XIV addressed approximately 700,000 people during a Mass at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on Saturday. This event is part of his four-day visit to France. The Vatican reported that the open-air service attracted a large crowd, with many attendees waving white and yellow flags as they gathered along the route the pope traveled in his popemobile. The crowd stretched 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) across central Paris, with worshippers pressing against security barriers for a view of the pontiff.
A large white canopy was set up to serve as an altar for the Mass, which lasted an hour and a half. Dozens of screens were installed to help attendees follow the proceedings. In his homily, Pope Leo encouraged worshippers to share their faith and seek happiness in spiritual rather than material pursuits. He stated, "Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied," and added, "Only God can fill the emptiness within us."
Crowds began arriving hours before the service, with many families eager to see the pope. Teacher Sylvie Leclerc expressed the significance of the event, saying, "It's a big event; we've come to share the Christian fervour. You don't hear much from us Catholics, but now we're going to make some noise! But to proclaim love, peace, joy."
Earlier in the day, the pope visited a social center and met with newly baptized adults. His visit to France includes stops in Lourdes and Metz, marking his first trip to the country since his papacy began last year. On Friday, around 300,000 people gathered to see the pope as he waved from his popemobile on his way to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been undergoing restoration since a fire in 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron did not attend the Mass, but far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Edouard Philippe confirmed their attendance.