During a speech in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV shared his impressions from a recent four-day visit to France, highlighting a tangible “renewal” happening in this once predominantly Catholic nation. Some Catholics are, perhaps understandably, feeling optimistic about the possibility that a country which saw turmoil over its clerics might now be veering back toward faith. In contrast, some radical leftists, along with a Muslim activist group, are expressing concern.
The Pope remarked that the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris encapsulates the spirit of his Apostolic Journey. He described it in one word: “rebirth.” The cathedral, which suffered significant damage during the French Revolution and then again in a catastrophic fire in April 2019, has “been rebuilt and is more splendid than ever,” he stated. He noted that the misfortunes surrounding it prompted positive responses at various levels, some that are visible and practical, while others are more subtle and spiritual in nature. The Pope suggested that the cathedral symbolizes the Church itself, which is composed of “living stones”— the holy people of God.
Pope Leo observed the large turnout of the French faithful attending Mass and declared, “This is the true reconstruction, the restoration of the Church that only God can bring about, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.”
More than 80,000 young people gathered at Stade de France for a prayer vigil with the Pope on Friday, while about 700,000 attended Mass in central Paris on Saturday — the very site where Louis XVI was executed. Additionally, over 150,000 joined him for Mass in Lourdes on Sunday. Corentin Dugast, a French author known online as “Un Homme Catholique,” remarked that the Pope’s visit might help dispel the hesitance surrounding faith, especially among bishops, who sometimes seem unsure about declaring the gospel when it conflicts with contemporary issues.
While his visit was met with enthusiasm, Pope Leo also noted that signs of Catholic revival in France have been underway for several years, evidenced by an impressive increase in adults and young people seeking baptism. The numbers rose dramatically, from 4,278 adult baptisms in 2022 to 13,234 this Easter, along with 8,152 teenagers, as reported by the French Bishops’ Conference.
However, this potential return to Catholicism is stirring anxiety in certain circles. An individual from Miséricorde pour l’Humanité France, an Islamic propaganda group aimed at traditional Catholics, expressed feelings of “sadness” and “helplessness,” predicting that “France will become Catholic again.” He conveyed a sense of resignation and fear, likening the situation to witnessing the return of something once thought gone. Another member acknowledged that American Catholics are well-organized and may exert considerable influence in the world, even as it threatens their own aspirations.
The satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, still haunted by a 2015 terrorist attack that cost the lives of 17, responded critically to images of street confessions during the Pope’s visit. Deputy editor Jean-Loup Adenor expressed discomfort with the sight of street confessions, stating that he instinctively recoils. He emphasized the need to demystify the Pope and bring him “down to earth,” especially because of his ability to unify Catholics in France, a country where religious engagement can often be contentious.
Meanwhile, the National Federation of Freethought labeled the Pope’s visit a “violation of international law,” insisting that “only followers and submissive individuals refuse to see this as a blatant promotion of the Catholic faith.” This radical group also criticized the public funding of Catholic schools, the Pope’s stance against euthanasia, and claimed violations of the separation of church and state.
In light of the Pope’s presence, French news outlet Le Monde portrayed the resurgence of Catholicism in France as potentially troubling, suggesting it has right-wing implications. They highlighted the increasing participation of clergy, particularly in working-class neighborhoods, while also conveying that a more politically active form of Catholicism has emerged — especially among conservative circles.
Despite the apparent revival, the data shows that only 29% of the urban population identified as Catholic in 2020, indicating there’s still a long road ahead for the Catholic Church in France.
