Pope Leo XIV has drawn a record-breaking crowd of approximately 800,000 people to a historic outdoor Mass in Paris.
What happened
The Mass, which was part of the pope's four-day apostolic journey in France, took place at the Place de la Concorde and surrounding areas, including the Champs-Elysees Avenue. The large turnout prompted police to open two overflow sites. During his homily, Pope Leo told the crowd that only their faith could provide true happiness, stating that God is the only one who can fill the emptiness within them.
The pope, who delivered the Mass in French, also addressed the young people present, declaring them to be the church of today. He acknowledged the rich history of Catholicism in France, referencing the many saints who hailed from the country. Pope Leo encouraged the crowd to drink from the source of Jesus' pierced heart, which he said can quench their thirst for God, life, truth, unity, peace, communion, and happiness.
This visit marks the first official papal visit to France in 18 years, with the previous visit being made by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. That Mass attracted a crowd of 250,000 people, less than half of the number who attended Pope Leo's Mass.
