More than 800,000 faithful gathered in the heart of Paris on Saturday to attend an open-air Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, according to Vatican estimates. The pontiff used the occasion to round out the second day of his four-day apostolic journey to France.
Following the event in the French capital, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Lourdes, where he prayed at the Grotto of Massabielle. The site is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations for Catholics worldwide.
Does anyone know if the weather held up? That is a huge outdoor event to manage safely.
Lourdes next? A fitting journey. The Grotto has deep historical significance for Catholics everywhere.
800,000 people! That is an incredibly massive crowd for central Paris. Truly remarkable turnout.