Pope highlights young Catholics at large Paris Mass
At a large outdoor Mass in Paris, Pope Leo XIV directed remarks to Catholic young people and described them as central to the Church now. He had also met young people at a vigil at the Stade de France the day before. The appearance formed part of his visit to France.
The Paris gathering took place at Place de la Concorde, with reports putting the crowd between roughly 600,000 and 700,000. Before the Mass, Pope Leo XIV traveled along the Champs-Élysées in the popemobile, where large crowds greeted him and he blessed infants. The previous evening, he led a youth vigil at the Stade de France.
His French trip also included attention to migrants and a scheduled encounter with survivors of sexual abuse. Separate coverage noted growing baptisms in France, especially among younger people seeking a faith community. These elements framed his youth-focused message within a broader visit.
The pope’s emphasis on young Catholics may strengthen feelings of belonging among younger believers in France and could encourage parishes to prioritize youth outreach. It may also draw wider public attention to the Church’s place in French society, including its engagement with migration and sexual abuse issues. For non-Catholics, the visit could shape perceptions of the institution, though its long-term effect on attendance or trust remains uncertain.