Pope Leo XIV draws huge crowds for open-air Mass in Paris
publishers 21articles 26first reported 26 Sep, 10:22 UTCdeveloping since 26 Sep · 4 editions
Pope Leo XIV celebrated an open-air Mass in central Paris on Saturday, September 26, drawing hundreds of thousands of worshippers to the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde.
The Vatican estimated attendance at about 800,000, roughly 200,000 more than had registered in advance. Some reports put the crowd at around 600,000. Before the service, Leo greeted cheering, flag-waving spectators from his popemobile during a 2km (1.2-mile) procession along the Champs-Élysées toward Place de la Concorde.
A large stage topped by a golden cross was erected in the square, where clergy, choir members and worshippers gathered for the Mass. Organisers said Place de la Concorde was the only location in central Paris capable of accommodating such a crowd.
The venue also prompted criticism from supporters of France’s strict separation of church and state. Critics argued that the square, associated with the French Revolution and modern republican celebrations including Bastille Day, was not an appropriate setting for the service.
The Mass took place on the second day of the pope’s four-day apostolic visit to France. He later prayed at the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage site.
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