Massive Crowd Fills Paris for Pope Leo XIV’s Visit

Sun Sep 27 2026 03:41:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pope Leo XIV arrives in France for a four‑day tour, sparking enthusiasm among locals. He plans a massive Mass in Paris and a talk on AI at the Élysée Palace.

Pope Leo XIV reached France for a brief tour, welcomed by President Macron at Orly airport. He will speak on geopolitics and artificial intelligence at the Élysée Palace before a grand Mass in central Paris, expected to attract more than half a million attendees. The event reflects a surge of spirituality in France, noted by BBC correspondent Hugh Schofield. The visit highlights the Vatican’s outreach to secular audiences and its role in global dialogue.

Pope Leo XIV Arrives in France

The Pope touched down at Orly airport where President Macron met him for a brief welcome. The four‑day tour starts with political remarks and ends with a monumental Mass in Paris.

At the Élysée Palace the Pope addressed a wide audience, discussing geopolitics and the implications of artificial intelligence. His remarks aim to bridge faith with modern challenges.

The centerpiece of the visit is a Mass in the heart of Paris, expected to draw more than half a million people. This crowdsourced beauty showcases France’s growing devotion and openness to the Pope.

BBC correspondent Hugh Schofield notes that the enthusiasm stems from a renewed spiritual interest among French citizens, turning the event into a symbolic moment for the Church and the nation.

As the Pope tours the country, he underscores Vatican leadership in global dialogue and its potential to address contemporary affairs.