Approximately 600,000 faithful gathered in the French capital on Saturday to witness an open-air Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. The massive turnout highlighted the continued significance of the Catholic Church in France and drew crowds eager to see the Pontiff during his ongoing state visit.
The event took place near the Stade de France, where the Pope was received with enthusiastic support reminiscent of a major celebrity appearance. Earlier in his itinerary, Leo XIV participated in vespers at the reconstructed Notre-Dame Cathedral and embarked on a popemobile procession through the streets of Paris, greeting citizens along the route.
This visit marks the first state visit by a Pope to France in 18 years, underscoring the diplomatic and spiritual weight of the journey. During his time in the country, Leo XIV has also focused on social issues, meeting with migrants and marginalized communities, and addressing the relationship between the Church and the state.
In recent addresses, the Pope emphasized the concept of “authentic secularity,” arguing that a secular society should not exclude religion but rather allow it to coexist with dignity and peace. His presence in Paris has thus served as both a religious pilgrimage and a dialogue on the role of faith in modern secular Europe.
I’m curious about his definition of ‘authentic secularity.’ Does he genuinely believe a secular state can coexist with religious influence without friction?
Incredible to see half a million people in Paris for the Pope. Faith is still very much alive here, despite what the media says.