Pope Leo holds major outdoor mass in central Paris

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Pope Leo held an outdoor Mass on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, marking the highlight of his four-day, three-city tour of France. Attendance figures were estimated between 700,000 and 800,000 people, with crowds extending for approximately 2 kilometers from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

During the event, the Pope traversed the boulevard in an open-top popemobile, pausing to bless children and individuals with disabilities. High-profile attendees included French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Brigitte Macron, politician Marine Le Pen, and billionaire Bernard Arnault. In his sermon, the Pope urged Catholics to prioritize faith over material possessions, while also expressing gratitude for the visit. This trip comes amid efforts to improve the Church's reputation following previous abuse scandals. Additionally, the visit follows recent tensions, including public disagreements between the Pope and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the war in Iran.