Pope Leo XIV began his visit to France with a massive outdoor Mass in Paris, drawing an estimated 800,000 people to the Champs-Élysées. The event, held on Saturday, saw the pontiff wave to crowds from his popemobile as he passed under the Arc de Triomphe. The Vatican reported that the gathering was a testament to the Catholic Church's continued influence in France, a country that has officially remained secular.
Following the Paris Mass, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Lourdes, where he prayed silently at the Grotto of the Apparitions. The visit included meetings with pilgrims and continued his French pilgrimage. The grotto, a site of Marian devotion, attracted thousands of visitors, many of whom had traveled from across the world.
The pope’s visit to Lourdes was part of a broader trip aimed at strengthening the Church’s presence in France. During the Mass in Paris, he blessed several babies and encouraged attendees to share their faith. The event marked a significant moment in the pontiff’s itinerary, highlighting both his spiritual role and the enduring appeal of Catholic traditions.
The visit to Lourdes also included time for personal reflection, as the pope spent time in prayer at the grotto. The event underscored the importance of faith and pilgrimage in the Catholic community, drawing attention to the ongoing relevance of religious practices in modern society.
