In brief
Pope Leo X’s open‑air Mass on the Champs‑Élysées drew a half‑million Parisians, with political figures in attendance. The pontiff addressed crowds, blessed children, and warned about the dangers of unchecked AI. He also met migrants at a refugee centre, urging dignity and solidarity. The tour continues in Lourdes and Metz, highlighting a growing religious enthusiasm across France.
Hundreds of thousands of Parisians lined the Champs‑Élysées as Pope Leo X travelled down the avenue in his popemobile, delivering a celebratory mass at the Place de la Concorde. The open‑air ceremony drew an estimated half‑million spectators, a testament to growing devotion in France and neighbouring European nations.
As he passed beneath the Arc de Triomphe, the pontiff waved to a sea of white caps and French flags, stopping at several points along the route to bless babies and address the crowd. The event, staged on Saturday, also drew political dignitaries – including First Lady Brigitte Macron, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and candidates from the National Rally, The Republicans and centrist parties.
Earlier, Pope Leo X visited the Maison Bakhita refugee centre, condemning the neglect of displaced people and urging Europe to live together in dignity. He also warned officials about the “paradise of machines,” cautioning that unchecked artificial intelligence could erode humanity’s core values.
The Pope’s four‑day French tour has already seen 150,000 pilgrims flock to Lourdes, and he will next visit Metz to honour European Union founder Robert Schuman, whose legacy the Church hopes to beatify.
