Pope Leo XIV has drawn a massive gathering of approximately 800,000 faithful to Paris, marking a significant moment in his ongoing visit to France. The enormous turnout highlights the continued draw of the papacy in one of Europe’s most secularized nations.
Following the monumental gathering in the French capital, the Pope proceeded to Lourdes for the second leg of his trip. The pilgrimage to this major Catholic sanctuary was described as an emotional occasion, drawing devotees who have traveled from across the globe to pay their respects.
Images from the event show Pope Leo waving to the crowd as he made his way to the Grotto of the Apparitions of Massabielle in Lourdes on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The visit underscores the enduring spiritual significance of the site, where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
Eight hundred thousand people is an incredible number. Does this signal a major religious revival?
I am actually surprised by the turnout in Paris. Secular France still has deep roots,