Pope Leo XIV traveled along Paris’s famous Champs-Élysées on Wednesday, using the journey to the cathedral for a major celebration as an opportunity to offer blessings to infants held up by well-wishers. The pontiff departed from the popemobile to greet families lining the route before arriving for what is expected to be the largest event of his French tour.
Authorities estimate that approximately 600,000 worshippers have gathered in the capital for the open-air liturgy. The visit marks the first state visit by a pope to France in 18 years, drawing immense crowds and significant security preparations.
Beyond the ceremonial parade and the forthcoming mass, the trip includes several solemn engagements. Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with survivors of sexual abuse within the Church, addressing the issue directly during his stay. He has also prioritized outreach to marginalized communities, holding meetings with migrants and vulnerable populations throughout the duration of the visit.
During his arrival in the French capital, the Pope emphasized themes of social cohesion, stating that it is possible for people to “live together in dignity and peace.” The event underscores the continued significance of the Holy See’s diplomatic and spiritual ties with France.
While the parade is nice, I hope the meeting with abuse survivors is given equal weight. It feels like the serious issues sometimes get overshadowed by pageantry.
I had no idea it had been eighteen years since a pope last visited France. The sheer scale of these crowds is absolutely staggering to imagine.
What a wonderful image! Seeing the Pope connect with little ones on the Champs-Élysées truly captures the spirit of his visit to France.