Hundreds of Thousands Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Open-Air Mass in Paris

Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by huge crowds in central Paris on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of people gathered for a massive open-air Mass along the iconic Champs-Élysées.

The pontiff travelled through the French capital in his popemobile, waving to cheering crowds gathered beneath the Arc de Triomphe and along the famous avenue. Supporters chanted “Leo, Leo” as he made his way toward the ceremony site, stopping at several points to greet worshippers and bless children.

More than 500,000 people were expected to attend the event, making it one of the largest public gatherings of the Pope’s four-day visit to France. A special altar was constructed at Place de la Concorde, where the Mass was held under heightened security arrangements.

The visit has attracted large crowds throughout France, reflecting strong public interest in the Pope’s appearances and religious events. Thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and local residents travelled to Paris to take part in the historic gathering.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who held talks with Pope Leo XIV on Friday, did not attend the Mass in keeping with France’s long-standing principle of separation between church and state. However, Brigitte Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu were among the senior French figures present at the event.

The Mass also drew several prominent political figures ahead of next year’s French presidential election. Among those reported to be in attendance were Marine Le Pen, Bruno Retailleau, Edouard Philippe, and Gabriel Attal, highlighting the significance of the occasion in France’s public and political life.

The Paris Mass is considered the centerpiece of Pope Leo XIV’s visit, which has included meetings with political leaders, religious representatives, and members of the public. The pontiff has used the trip to promote messages of faith, unity, peace, and social responsibility.

The event concluded with prayers and blessings delivered before the massive crowd, marking one of the largest public religious gatherings in France in recent years.