Hundreds of thousands of people filled Paris' iconic Champs-Élysées avenue for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo XIV on Saturday. The Vatican estimated the crowd at around 800,000, highlighting the strong religious presence in the city. The event was part of the pope's landmark visit to France, which included stops in Lourdes and Paris.
The pope addressed the massive crowd, emphasizing the role of faith in providing true happiness. His visit was seen as a sign of the Catholic Church's enduring appeal in a country that is officially secular. The event drew widespread attention, with reports from multiple international news outlets.
Thousands of Parisians turned out to witness the pope's visit, showing strong public interest in religious events. The open-air mass on the Champs-Élysées was one of the highlights of his tour, reinforcing the pope's efforts to engage with younger generations. The visit also included a parade through the city, drawing large crowds.
