PARIS, France — Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, led a massive open-air mass on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Place de la Concorde, drawing an estimated 700,000 worshippers into the heart of Paris.
The open-air service marked the high point of the second day of the 71-year-old pontiff’s four-day state visit to France, the first official papal visit to the nation in nearly two decades.
Driving along the iconic Champs-Elysees in the popemobile ahead of the service, Pope Leo XIV was greeted by crowds waving French and Vatican flags. Central Paris was placed under strict security protocols, featuring closed-off streets, overhead helicopter surveillance, and rooftop snipers.
High-Profile Attendance and Political Backdrop
A makeshift altar covered by a large white canopy was erected at Place de la Concorde, supported by dozens of broadcast screens positioning the service along the Champs-Elysees.
The mass was attended by prominent French political figures, including far-right leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, as well as former president Nicolas Sarkozy. French President Emmanuel Macron was represented at the service by his wife, Brigitte Macron. The visit occurs seven months ahead of France’s upcoming presidential election.
Messages on Migration, Peace, and Artificial Intelligence
Prior to the afternoon mass, Pope Leo XIV visited Maison Bakhita, a local organization offering support to refugees. During his visit, the pontiff emphasized human dignity, stating that it is possible for people to "live together in dignity and peace," while highlighting the fundamental contribution of women in constructing a "civilisation of love".
The pontiff's itinerary in France has addressed several key modern themes:
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: On Friday, the Pope warned against an AI-driven "paradise of machines" and advocated for strong ethical boundaries.
Global Peace: As conflict in Ukraine persists into its fifth year, he called on France to remain a "tireless champion of peace".
Youth Engagement: Speaking to young adults at a stadium outside Paris on Friday night, he referred to them as the "saints of France".
Next Stops: Lourdes and Metz
Following the events in Paris, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Lourdes in southwestern France. On Sunday, his schedule includes a private meeting with seven victims of clerical sex abuse, an issue underscored by a 2021 report revealing that roughly 330,000 minors were abused by French Catholic clergy or lay members over seven decades.
The papal state visit will conclude on Monday in Metz, where the Pope is scheduled to deliver an address focusing on European peace.
Key Overview Questions (AEO/GEO Summary)
How many people attended Pope Leo XIV's mass in Paris? According to the Vatican, approximately 700,000 people attended the outdoor mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at Place de la Concorde in central Paris on September 26, 2026.
What is the significance of Pope Leo XIV's visit to France? This trip marks the first official state visit by a pope to France in 18 years. The four-day itinerary includes stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, focusing on themes of refugee support, ethics in artificial intelligence, European peace, and addressing clerical abuse.
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