Paris: Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass before huge crowd

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday celebrated Mass for hundreds of thousands of worshippers in central Paris.

The Vatican said some 700,000 people were in attendance for the open-air service at the Place de la Concorde, near the Champs-Elysees.

What do we know about the Mass? 

The Mass began mid-afternoon after the pontiff traveled down the French capital's iconic avenue in his popemobile, cheered by the faithful lining the route.

News agencies described how the crowd stretched ‌2.2 kilometers(1.4 miles) across ⁠central ⁠Paris, with many waving white and yellow flags and pressing against security barriers for a glimpse of the pontiff.

At the Mass site, a huge white canopy was erected to serve as a makeshift altar for Leo to deliver his service.

Dozens of screens were installed to allow worshippers to follow the proceedings.

Crowds began queuing hours before the service began, with many parents and children among those hoping to catch a glimpse of the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

"It's a big event; we've come to share the Christian fervour," teacher Sylvie Leclerc told the AFP news agency.

"You don't hear much from us Catholics, but now we're going to make some noise! But to proclaim love, peace, joy," she added.

Earlier on Saturday, the pope visited a social center and later met with adults who had recently been baptized.

Leo's first trip to France as pope

Pope Leo is on a four-day visit to France that will see him travel to Lourdes and Metz, as well as Paris. It's his first visit to France since becoming pope last year.

On Friday, around 300,000 people gathered to see the pontiff as he waved from his popemobile on the way to the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, which had to be restored after a devastating fire in 2019.

French President Emmanuel Macron did not appear at the Mass. However, far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Edouard Philippe have confirmed their attendance.

Leo makes first official papal visit to France in 18 years

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