PARIS (AP) – Hundreds of thousands gathered along the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris on Saturday to attend an open-air Mass led by Pope Leo XIV, marking the Catholic Church's significant influence in a nation that has moved towards secularism. The Vatican estimated attendance at approximately 800,000, surpassing the 600,000 pre-registered participants and reflecting a fervent interest in the event amidst trends of declining church attendance in Europe.
The American pope traveled in a popemobile during a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) procession towards the Place de la Concorde, a symbolic heart of Paris and a representation of the French republic. As he addressed the enthusiastic crowds, he encouraged them not to confine their faith but to "let it overflow" to those around them, expressing a desire for the "living water of the Holy Spirit" to spread across France.
The atmosphere in central Paris was celebratory, drawing individuals of various faiths, as well as those with no religious affiliation. Families attended, including many parents bringing their young children to receive blessings from the pope. Catholic attendees emphasized that Leo's message of social justice transcended the Catholic community. Leontine Joseph, a 42-year-old Catholic, noted that she attended with friends of Moroccan descent who identified with his messages beyond religious lines.
Pope Leo's visit was geared towards encouraging French Catholics to maintain their faith in a heavily secularized world. His itinerary kicked off on Friday with prayers at the Notre Dame Cathedral, marking the first papal visit since the cathedral was damaged in a fire in 2019. His travels will also take him to Lourdes, one of Catholicism's most significant pilgrimage sites, the following evening.
During his address at the Catholic Institute of Paris, the pope expressed surprise at the number of recent adult converts, with mentions that adult baptisms in France have tripled since 2016 to approximately 13,000 this year. However, despite this increase, experts warn that it does not counter the broader decline in Christian participation, with the total number of baptisms shrunk from 513,000 in 1980 to a projected 186,000 in 2024.
The event garnered immense crowds reminiscent of significant national celebrations, similar to those seen during France's FIFA World Cup wins in 1998 and 2018. Approaches varied, with many attendees expressing a desire to reconnect to core humanitarian values through the resonant message of the pope, including non-Catholics like Thierry Chen, who stressed the importance of such gatherings amid troubling global events.
Months of anticipation culminated in a vibrant vigil Friday night, where 80,000 young people filled the national stadium, celebrating with fireworks and a theatrical presentation of French Catholic history. Addressing this youthful audience in French, Pope Leo praised their courage and faith, declaring them "the saints of France."
As the Mass proceeded on the historical Place de la Concorde, adorned with a grand stage topped with a golden cross, it represented a noteworthy moment in the square's storied past, previously known for executions during the French Revolution. Critics of the Mass's location raised concerns regarding France's strict secularism, pointing out that alternative venues were available for such a significant event.
Among the attendees was Jean-Claude Farnabe, celebrating his 63rd birthday, who shared an optimistic view on the rising interest in faith among younger generations, noting an increase in baptisms among individuals aged 25 to 40 at his local parish. His reflections highlighted the ongoing spiritual revival amidst a backdrop of increasing secularisation in France.
