Approximately 700,000 people converged on the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde in central Paris on Saturday to witness Pope Leo XIV celebrate an open-air Mass, marking the culmination of his four-day visit—the first official papal trip to the country.
The 71-yearhead of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics traveled down the avenue in an open-top popemobile, waving to dense crowds pressed against security barriers. As the pontiff made frequent stops to bless infants and disabled attendees, spectators held phones high to capture the historic moment before he ascended a stage beneath a giant white canopy at the square.
As sunlight pierced through grey skies, accompanied by a choir and organ, Leo XIV, dressed in white garments adorned with olive branches, urged Catholics to find happiness in faith rather than material wealth.
“It is truly good and pleasant when brothers and sisters come together and glorify the greatness of God,” the Pope said, his voice occasionally competing with the sound of overhead helicopters. “I hope that my presence here today confirms your faith.”
Volunteers played a crucial role in managing the massive gathering. Angèle, a lifelong member of the French Scouts who traveled from Rouen to distribute flags and assist lost attendees, described the occasion as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” Although she missed the youth vigil at the Stade de France the previous night, she expressed hope that the Mass would “bring people together” and benefit the community.
Frédéric, a 60-year-old volunteer who previously assisted during Pope Francis’s 2023 visit to Marseille, noted the contrast in atmosphere. He recalled the earlier event as less formal and more song-filled, whereas Saturday’s service offered a different kind of solemnity. “It’s a perfect opportunity to be of service and put the Church’s values into practice,” he said.
Among the faithful were nuns Marie-Madeleine and Marie-Élisabeth, who traveled from Autun in the Burgundy region. They viewed the mass as a proud declaration of Christian presence in an increasingly individualistic society.
“France is a place where power and money reign supreme, there is not enough openness between people here,” said Marie-Madeleine. Both nuns praised the Pope’s courage to “go against the grain” and emphasize humanity in what they described as a disconnected world.
Families also flocked to the capital. Emmanuelle, a US-born Protestant living in Paris, brought her two daughters, Olivia and Margaux, citing her grandmother’s transformative experience at a John Paul II mass. Her daughter Olivia, delighted to see a “important” figure in person, later asked a candid question that had been on her mind: “Why isn’t the Pope ever a woman?”
Kate, commuting from the suburbs, hoped the event would inspire a more personal connection with God, noting that she sometimes struggles with external expressions of faith. Meanwhile, Tristan, his sister Alice, and his son Louis-Calixte joined locals near the Arc de Triomphe. Alice appreciated the rare public visibility of Catholicism in France, while Louis-Calixte, a student at a Catholic school, joked that he would ask the Pope for a selfie if they met.
Not all attendees were strictly religious; Justine and Thomas attended primarily for the spectacle, with plans next to try and spot singer Céline Dion, whose hotel is nearby. However, for many, the gathering was a profound spiritual milestone. Jean-Albert, a mason from Normandy who took a rare day off work, was amazed by the turnout.
“It’s proof that faith moves people! … Religion resists!” Jean-Albert said, highlighting the enduring power of faith among both believers and skeptics.
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