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, which stretched 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) across central Paris. Many attendees waved white and yellow flags and gathered near security barriers to see the pontiff, who traveled in his popemobile along the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue.
A large white canopy was set up as a makeshift altar for the Mass, which lasted for an hour and a half. Dozens of screens were installed to help worshippers follow the service. In his homily, Pope Leo encouraged attendees 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 queuing hours before the Mass, with many families present. Teacher Sylvie Leclerc expressed the significance of the event, saying, "It's a big event; we've come to share the Christian fervour." Earlier in the day, the pope visited a social center and met with newly baptized adults. This visit marks his first trip to France since becoming pope last year. On Friday, around 300,000 people gathered to see him as he waved from his popemobile on his way to Notre Dame Cathedral, which is undergoing restoration after a fire in 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron did not attend the Mass, but far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Edouard Philippe were present.