Pope Leo XIV Conducts Open-Air Mass in Paris, Calls for Faith Sharing

Pope Leo XIV gathered approximately 800,000 people in Paris for an open-air Mass, encouraging Catholics to share their faith in an increasingly secular society. The event took place in the storied public square of Place de la Concorde, with crowds filling the Champs-Élysées as the pope traveled through central Paris in the popemobile.

The Vatican reported an attendance of 800,000, outnumbering the 600,000 people who had registered in advance. Families and faith communities filled the streets, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of Pope Leo as he moved through the city.

Speaking to the assembled crowd, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged their proud legacy, describing them as the ‘heirs of France’s long and beautiful history of faith.’ He urged them to let their faith enrich others, stating, ‘Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied.’

The choice of Place de la Concorde for the Mass symbolized a merger of faith and national secular history. This location, known for the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution, stands symbolic under modern republicanism. The decision to hold a religious event there generated debate over the separation of church and state.

This Mass closely followed another large-scale Parisian event, the controversial opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which involved a tableau criticized for mocking Christianity. The tableau was interpreted by many as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper,’ raising objections among Christian leaders.

Pope Leo’s visit comes at a time of changing religious dynamics in France. Adult conversions have dramatically increased to 13,000 annually, despite a broader decline in overall Catholic participation and baptisms.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to young people, new converts, and families for upholding their faith amidst secular challenges. The night before the Mass, 80,000 young attendees gathered for a vigil at the national stadium, celebrating their faith with splendor.

In his sermon, Pope Leo appealed to the congregation by invoking French Catholic ancestors and urging the faithful to pursue virtues like truth, peace, and justice. He likened faith to ‘living water,’ which he said provides satisfaction and unity.

The impressive turnout for the papal Mass mirrored France’s historic celebrations, recalling the gatherings for the country’s World Cup victories. As part of his itinerary, Pope Leo XIV will visit symbolic religious sites, meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, and lead prayers at Notre-Dame Cathedral.

This marks the first papal visit to France since Benedict XVI’s in 2008. Pope Leo will continue his journey by visiting Lourdes, a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide.