Pope Leo XIV attracted around 800,000 attendees to an open-air Mass in Paris on Saturday, taking place in one of the city’s most historical squares. He encouraged Catholics to express their faith prominently, especially in a world that tends to lean more secular.
The gathering saw enthusiastic crowds waving flags as the pope traveled approximately 1.2 miles through the city in the popemobile before leading the Mass.
The Vatican’s estimate of 800,000 marks a significant increase—about 200,000 more than those who had registered ahead of time.
Families and individuals filled the streets, raising their children towards the pope as he passed through the French capital.
In addressing the attendees, Leo reflected on their presence, viewing them as the “heirs of France’s long and beautiful history of faith.” He urged French Catholics not to keep their rich heritage to themselves, but to share it with others.
“Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied,” Leo stated during the Mass, hoping for the living water of the Holy Spirit to flow throughout France from this pivotal city.
The significance of this setting was heightened considering France’s strong tradition of secularism. Some critics expressed objections to holding a papal Mass at Place de la Concorde, citing its historical context as a site of executions during the French Revolution, where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were guillotined. This square is now associated with the French republic and often hosts celebrations like Bastille Day.
Interestingly, the Mass stood in stark contrast to a major controversy from two years ago related to the 2024 Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony, which faced backlash for perceived mockery of Christianity.
Despite ongoing declines in general Catholic participation, France has seen a noteworthy rise in adult conversions, with reports of tripled annual adult baptisms since 2016, reaching 13,000 this year.
At Saturday’s Mass, Leo evoked France’s Catholic legacy, referencing biblical themes related to life and happiness, while also acknowledging the dedication of those championing noble values like peace and justice.
The crowd size at the Mass rivaled some of the largest public celebrations in recent history, comparable to France’s World Cup wins. Leo began his visit with a journey to the recently restored Notre Dame Cathedral, marking the first papal visit to the site since the devastating fire in 2019. He concluded his day with a trip to Lourdes, a significant pilgrimage destination for the Catholic faithful.
