Pope Leo XIV held a prayer ceremony for hundreds of thousands of worshippers in central Paris on Saturday. According to the Vatican, around 700,000 people attended this outdoor event held in Place de la Concorde.
Ceremony in Paris
The ceremony began in the afternoon after the Pope's journey down the famous Champs-Élysées in the popemobile. He was warmly welcomed by worshippers lining both sides of the street.
News agencies reported that the crowd was spread along a 2.2-kilometer (1.4-mile) route in central Paris, with many attendees holding white and yellow flags and approaching security barriers to see the Pope.
Pope Leo's Message
A large white canopy was set up as a temporary altar for the Pope at the event location. Several screens were also installed to help worshippers follow the ceremony.
In his speech, Pope Leo urged worshippers not to keep their faith to themselves, saying, "Let your faith overflow so that those you meet are renewed and their thirst is quenched." He added, "From this beautiful city of Paris, I fervently pray that the living water of the Holy Spirit flows throughout France."
The crowd had been lining up for hours before the ceremony began, with many parents and children among them hoping to catch a glimpse of the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
A teacher named Sylvie Leclerc said, "This is a great event; we have come to share the Christian spirit. We Catholics often don't get heard, but now we want to have a voice! But to proclaim love, peace, and joy."
During his four-day trip to France, Pope Leo will also visit Lourdes and Metz, marking his first visit to France since his election as Pope last year. On Friday, around 300,000 people gathered to see the Pope as he made his way to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been restored after the devastating fire in 2019.
French President Emmanuel Macron was not present at the event, but far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist leader Édouard Philippe confirmed their attendance.
