PARIS, September 26, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has highlighted the role of young people in the Catholic Church as a huge crowd gathered in Paris for an open-air Mass.
About 700,000 people attended the service at the Place de la Concorde, according to the Vatican. Reuters reported a higher estimate of around 800,000, underscoring the enormous turnout for the Pope’s visit.
Pope Leo arrived at the Mass after travelling through Paris in his open-top popemobile. Crowds lined the Champs-Élysées as the Pope waved and blessed people along the route.
“You are today’s Church”
Addressing young Catholics during his homily, Pope Leo praised their enthusiasm, energy and commitment.
He described young people as “today’s Church” and highlighted the joy they bring to Christian communities.
The Pope also urged Catholics to share their faith rather than keeping it to themselves.
He said faith should reach beyond individual believers and encourage those they meet.
Massive turnout in central Paris
The Mass was held at the Place de la Concorde, with a large temporary altar and screens installed for worshippers.
The crowd stretched along the Champs-Élysées as thousands gathered to see the pontiff during his journey to the Mass.
The event attracted significantly more people than the number who had registered in advance. About 600,000 people had initially registered for the Mass.
Political leaders among attendees
Pope Leo met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Friday at the beginning of his four-day visit.
Macron did not attend Saturday’s Mass, while his wife, Brigitte Macron, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu were among the political figures present.
Other prominent politicians, including Marine Le Pen, Bruno Retailleau, Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, were also seen at the event.
First official papal visit to France in 18 years
Pope Leo’s trip is the first official papal state visit to France in 18 years.
His itinerary includes engagements in Paris and Lourdes, where he is also scheduled to meet survivors of clerical sexual abuse.
The visit comes as the Catholic Church in France continues to address questions surrounding its future, religious participation and its relationship with a strongly secular French state.
