PARIS, France — Pope Leo XIV has praised the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of young people to the Catholic Church, as an estimated 700,000 worshippers gathered for an open-air Mass at the historic Place de la Concorde in Paris.
The Mass, held on Saturday, was the highlight of the second day of the Pope’s four-day visit to France, drawing enormous crowds of Catholics and visitors who gathered to hear the pontiff deliver his message of faith, unity and service.
Pope Leo arrived at the venue after travelling along the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue in an open-topped popemobile, waving to cheering crowds who lined the streets to welcome him.
Addressing the congregation, the Pope urged Catholics to share their faith with others rather than keep it to themselves.
“Let it overflow so that those you meet may be refreshed,” he told worshippers, encouraging them to make their faith visible through their actions and engagement with others.
The pontiff also singled out young people for praise, describing them as an important part of the Church’s present and future.
“How beautiful it is to see your enthusiasm, energy and commitment, and the joy you bring to Christian communities,” he said.
He described young people as “today’s Church”, recognising their contribution to Christian communities and their role in sustaining the faith across generations.
Political leaders and public figures attend
The event also attracted several senior French politicians, including figures associated with different political parties ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Marine Le Pen of the National Rally and conservative politician Bruno Retailleau were among those seen at the Place de la Concorde before the Mass. Centrist politicians Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal were also present.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed the Pope on Friday at the Élysée Palace, did not attend Saturday’s Mass. His absence from the religious celebration was largely linked to France’s strict principle of separating religion and state.
However, Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, and French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu attended the ceremony.
The Pope’s visit began on Friday with a meeting with Macron, followed by engagements with Church officials and young people. He also joined approximately 80,000 young people at the Stade de France in northern Paris, where he was welcomed by an enthusiastic gathering.
Pope highlights migrants and women’s contributions
Earlier on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV visited the Maison Bakhita centre in Paris, an organisation that supports refugees and migrants.
During the visit, the pontiff met migrants and volunteers, commending the organisation for bringing attention to people who are often overlooked in society.
He praised the centre for inviting the visitors “to see those who are invisible”, highlighting the importance of recognising the dignity and experiences of marginalised communities.
The Pope also emphasised the fundamental role of women in building what he described as a “civilisation of love”, drawing attention to their contributions to society and the Church.
Warning over artificial intelligence
The Pope’s remarks in Paris followed his warning about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence during his engagements on Friday.
Speaking to Church and state officials at the Élysée Palace, Leo cautioned against “losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines”.
His comments formed part of a broader discussion about the implications of technological advancement and the importance of protecting human dignity as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly influential.
The Pope’s position reflects his wider concern about ensuring that technological progress serves humanity rather than diminishing human relationships and values.
Lourdes pilgrimage and final stop in Metz
Following the Mass in Paris, Pope Leo XIV travelled to Lourdes in south-western France, arriving late on Saturday. He visited the famous Marian sanctuary and prayed at the Grotto of the Apparitions, one of the Catholic Church’s most recognised pilgrimage sites.
The pontiff is scheduled to celebrate Mass at the sanctuary on Sunday, with approximately 150,000 people having registered to attend. His programme also includes meetings with French bishops and members of the sick community, as well as a Rosary prayer and torchlight procession.
The four-day visit will conclude on Monday in the north-eastern French city of Metz, where the Pope is expected to pay tribute to Robert Schuman, a founding figure of European integration and a devout Catholic.
Schuman, who lived from 1886 to 1963, is being considered for beatification, a formal step in the Catholic Church’s recognition of a person’s holiness.
The visit provides an opportunity for the Pope to highlight the historical links between Catholicism, European identity and the pursuit of peace and unity.
Growing interest in Catholic faith
The large crowds attending the Pope’s engagements have drawn attention to the continuing appeal of Catholicism in France, a country with a strong tradition of secularism.
Church officials believe the turnout reflects growing spiritual interest among sections of the French population and other Europeans.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, has French ancestry through his paternal grandmother, who was born in Le Havre, Normandy, in 1894. His family history adds a personal dimension to his visit to France.
The Pope’s four-day trip, running from September 25 to 28, includes engagements in Paris, Lourdes and Metz, as well as a visit to UNESCO’s headquarters.
