On a bright September day, Pope Leo XIV arrived at Orly Airport to begin a four‑day diplomatic and pastoral tour of France, expressing the Vatican’s enthusiasm about reaching a nation increasingly seeking spiritual guidance.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the pontiff and, later in the week, hosted him at the Élysée Palace where the **Pope spoke about pressing global issues, including geopolitics and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence**.
The culmination of the visit—a Mass attended by more than half a million people in central Paris—echoed the Pope’s message of hope and fidelity in a secular society. The Catholic Church credits the crowds to a renewed French spirit seeking meaning beyond politics and industry.
Citizens can view the historic Mass from broadcasters as live and online streams, and the Vatican has released a full transcript in several languages for those wishing to reflect on the Pope’s words.
