Massive Open-Air Mass Held in Paris by Pope Leo XIV
On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV gathered a crowd of approximately 800,000 people for an open-air Mass in Paris, calling on Catholics to share their faith in today’s increasingly secular world.
The event took place in famous public squares, including the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde, where the pope traveled nearly 1.2 miles in the popemobile, waving to enthusiastic families and individuals, some even holding their children high to catch a glimpse of the pontiff. The Vatican reported an attendance far exceeding expectations, with 200,000 more people present than the pre-registered figure.
During the Mass, Pope Leo praised those attending as the “heirs of France’s long and beautiful history of faith.” He emphasized the importance of not keeping this rich heritage hidden but rather sharing it widely.
“Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied,” he urged, praying for the Holy Spirit to flow throughout France from the beautiful city of Paris. This call resonated particularly in a nation characterized by its strong secular traditions.
Celebrating the Mass at Place de la Concorde carries historical weight, being known as a site where significant figures like King Louis XVI were executed during the French Revolution. Critics of the Mass’s location expressed concerns about the mixing of faith and state in a country that values secularism.
The pope’s visit comes amid a surprising rise in adult baptisms, tripling to nearly 13,000 this year, although long-term trends still show a decline in overall participation in the Catholic Church in France. Pope Leo thanked families, youth, catechumens, and new Christians for standing firm in their faith in such times.
The night before the Mass, around 80,000 young people gathered at the national stadium for a vigil filled with fireworks and a retelling of France’s Catholic heritage. Addressing them, the pope thanked these young individuals for their courage and commitment to their faith, calling them the “saints of France.”
Overall, the spectacular scenes of the open Mass are being compared to the grand celebrations that have marked other historical events, highlighting the significance of this moment for the Catholic community in France. Pope Leo XIV’s visit is his first official trip to France and serves as a reminder of the country’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage amidst contemporary challenges.
