**Several Hundred Thousand Gather for Pope Leo XIV's Mass in Paris**
*Paris, France – September 26, 2026* – In a remarkable display of faith and unity, several hundred thousand people gathered in Paris on Saturday to attend an outdoor mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican estimated that around 700,000 attendees participated in the event, surpassing the 600,000 individuals who had registered in advance.
The mass took place at the iconic Place de la Concorde, where the pontiff arrived in a popemobile, greeting enthusiastic crowds waving flags and cheering along the way. The procession traversed the renowned Champs-Elysees, a 1.9-kilometer (1.2-mile) avenue that has long been a symbol of French culture and history.
Pope Leo XIV's visit marks the first official papal trip to France in nearly 18 years, and it comes at a pivotal time for the Roman Catholic Church in the country. The pontiff's presence is seen as an effort to restore the church's standing in a nation where its influence has waned significantly in recent decades. This decline has been underscored by a 2021 inquiry revealing that approximately 330,000 children were abused by clergy and lay members of the church over a span of 70 years.
During his four-day visit, which began on Friday, Pope Leo XIV has also been vocal about contemporary issues affecting society. He has expressed concerns regarding France's recently approved law on assisted dying, emphasizing the need for compassion and respect for human life.
French President Emmanuel Macron was not in attendance at the mass, but his wife, Brigitte Macron, represented him at the event. Among the attendees was Marine Le Pen, a prominent far-right political figure who currently leads in the polls for the upcoming presidential election set for mid-April 2027.
On Friday, the pope had a private meeting with President Macron at the Elysee Palace, where he delivered a speech praising the diversity of French society. He highlighted how the varied origins of its people have enriched the nation and its democratic fabric. Additionally, he raised concerns about the implications of artificial intelligence, warning that a future dominated by machines could lead to a loss of humanity.
The atmosphere at the mass was described as fervent, reminiscent of the enthusiasm seen during the papacy of John Paul II over four decades ago. Francois Mabille, director of the Geopolitical Observatory on Religion, noted the palpable excitement among the crowds, indicating a resurgence of interest in the Catholic Church.
Following the mass, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel to Lourdes, where he will meet with seven victims of clerical abuse on Sunday, further emphasizing his commitment to addressing the church's past and fostering healing within the community.
As Pope Leo XIV continues his visit, the events in Paris highlight the ongoing dialogue between the Catholic Church and contemporary societal challenges, as well as the enduring significance of faith in the lives of many in France.