Pope Leo XIV has praised the enthusiasm and dedication of young Catholics as an estimated 700,000 people gathered in central Paris for a major open-air Mass during his four-day visit to France.
The Mass, held at Place de la Concorde, was one of the largest events of the pontiff’s visit and came after he travelled down the iconic Champs-Élysées in his popemobile, greeting cheering crowds and blessing worshippers along the route.
Addressing the congregation, Pope Leo urged Catholics to actively share their faith with others rather than keep it private.
“Catholics should not keep their faith to themselves, but let it overflow so that those they meet may be refreshed,” he told the crowd.
The pontiff also highlighted the important role women play in society, emphasizing their contribution to building what he described as a “civilisation of love.”
The Paris Mass follows the Pope’s earlier remarks on artificial intelligence delivered at the Élysée Palace, where he warned against allowing technological advancement to overshadow human values and dignity. He cautioned societies against “losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines.”
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Pope Leo on Friday but did not attend the Mass, in line with France’s long-standing principle of separation between church and state. However, Brigitte Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu were present at the ceremony.
Several prominent French political figures also attended the gathering, including Marine Le Pen, Bruno Retailleau, Édouard Philippe, and Gabriel Attal, as attention increasingly turns toward next year’s presidential election.
The Pope’s visit has attracted large crowds throughout France and is expected to continue drawing significant public interest over the remaining days of his trip.
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