PARIS, September 26, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has praised the enthusiasm and commitment of young Catholics as hundreds of thousands of people gathered for an open-air Mass in central Paris.
The Vatican estimated that about 700,000 people attended the Mass at the Place de la Concorde, making it the largest public event of the Pope’s four-day visit to France. Reuters later reported an estimate of about 800,000 people.
Before the service, Pope Leo travelled along the Champs-Élysées in an open-top popemobile, waving to crowds who lined the famous avenue and held up Vatican flags and mobile phones.
Pope urges Catholics to share their faith
During his homily, Pope Leo encouraged Catholics not to keep their faith private.
He urged worshippers to allow their faith to “overflow” and bring encouragement to people they encounter.
The Pope also directed a special message to young people, describing them as “today’s Church.”
He praised their enthusiasm, energy and commitment, as well as the joy they bring to Christian communities.
The remarks came during the Pope’s first official visit to France, which runs from September 25 to 28.
Thousands of young people attend Pope’s France events
Pope Leo had already met about 80,000 young people at the Stade de France in northern Paris following his arrival in the country.
The large turnout at Saturday’s Mass also reflected strong interest in the Pope’s visit, with more than 600,000 people having registered before the event.
French political figures attend Mass
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Pope Leo at the Élysée Palace on Friday but did not attend Saturday’s Mass.
Macron’s absence is consistent with France’s strict tradition of separating religious institutions from the state.
His wife, Brigitte Macron, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu were among those present at the Mass.
Several French political figures also attended, including Marine Le Pen, Bruno Retailleau, Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal.
Pope’s visit continues
Pope Leo’s four-day trip is his first official state visit to France and includes stops and engagements in Paris and Lourdes.
The Pope has used the visit to address faith, peace, human dignity and other issues facing French society and the wider world.
