Pope praises young people's 'energy and commitment' at huge open-air Mass in Paris
News Source
β’Sat, 26 Sep 2026 19:48:06 GMT
π° What Happened
Pope Leo XIV led a huge open-air Mass in Paris on 26 September. An estimated 700,000 people gathered at the Place de la Concorde. The Pope rode down the Champs-Elysees in an open popemobile, waving to the crowds.
Dense crowds lined the avenue as the popemobile passed. The Mass was celebrated from a special altar on the square, and many senior politicians watched from the front rows.
π The Backstory
The Mass came on the second day of the Pope's four-day visit to France. He praised the enthusiasm, energy and commitment young Catholics bring to the Church, and said believers should not keep their faith to themselves.
The Pope met President Emmanuel Macron on Friday and later joined 80,000 young people at the Stade de France. French leaders stayed away from the Mass to respect the country's strict separation of church and state. Macron's wife Brigitte and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did attend, along with several candidates for next year's election.
π― Why It Matters
The visit drew one of the biggest crowds Paris has seen in years. It shows the Catholic Church's push to win back young believers.
Pope Leo XIV led a huge open-air Mass in Paris on 26 September. An estimated 700,000 people gathered at the Place de la Concorde. The Pope rode down the Champs-Elysees in an open popemobile, waving to the crowds.
Dense crowds lined the avenue as the popemobile passed. The Mass was celebrated from a special altar on the square, and many senior politicians watched from the front rows.
The Mass came on the second day of the Pope's four-day visit to France. He praised the enthusiasm, energy and commitment young Catholics bring to the Church, and said believers should not keep their faith to themselves.
The Pope met President Emmanuel Macron on Friday and later joined 80,000 young people at the Stade de France. French leaders stayed away from the Mass to respect the country's strict separation of church and state. Macron's wife Brigitte and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did attend, along with several candidates for next year's election.
The visit drew one of the biggest crowds Paris has seen in years. It shows the Catholic Church's push to win back young believers.