Pope Leo XIV drew an estimated 800,000 people to Place de la Concorde in Paris for a mass on Saturday, September 26, 2026. According to local authorities cited by ANSA, the massive crowd surpassed initial expectations by 200,000 and represented the largest gathering in the heart of the French capital since the 1997 World Youth Day in Longchamp, which drew one million participants to an international event rather than a national papal embrace.
Arrival in Lourdes and Prayers for French Concord
Following the gathering in Paris, Pope Leo XIV traveled south to Lourdes on Saturday evening, arriving shortly after 19:00 local time. Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard welcomed the pontiff on behalf of the French government at the airport, where a large group of children greeted him with festive religious songs. Moving by car to the Grotto of Massabielle, the pope offered a specific prayer for the nation. As reported by ANSA, he asked for the gift of fraternal concord, urging the country to build an harmonious society that bans violence and hatred while supporting the poorest citizens and promoting peace worldwide.
Political Attendance and the Absence of Macron
While President Emmanuel Macron chose not to attend any of the four scheduled masses, his wife Brigitte participated in the events. Numerous French politicians and presidential hopefuls attended the papal services, including Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, former president Nicolas Sarkozy, and Républicains president Bruno Retailleau. Other prominent figures spotted among the crowds included former prime ministers François Fillon, Gabriel Attal, Dominique de Villepin, and Édouard Philippe, alongside Rassemblement National president Marine Le Pen accompanied by Jordan Bardella. On social media, Macron posted a message stating that France was proud to welcome Pope Leo XIV and host the monumental mass.
Surge in Baptisms Amid Secular Culture
The visit highlighted a trend of adults in France seeking Christian initiation sacraments despite the country's strongly secular culture. This phenomenon, which includes many young people seeking meaning after not receiving the faith in their families, reflects what the pontiff described as the tangible work of God's grace transcending statistical analysis. French media featured the visit, with Le Parisien dedicating its front page to the pontiff with the headline "Leone il Parigino".
Did You Know?
The only larger gathering in the heart of the French capital occurred during the 1997 World Youth Day in Longchamp, which brought together one million young people for an international Catholic youth gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people attended the Pope’s mass in Paris?
Local authorities estimated that 800,000 people attended Pope Leo XIV’s mass at Place de la Concorde on September 26, 2026.
Did President Emmanuel Macron attend the papal masses?
No, President Emmanuel Macron did not attend any of the scheduled masses, though his wife Brigitte participated in the events, and the president later posted a welcome message on social media.
What were the main stops on Pope Leo XIV’s trip to France?
The pontiff visited Paris, Lourdes, and Metz during his tour.
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