Pope Leo XIV Draws Hundreds of Thousands in Paris

Pope Leo XIV touched down at Paris’s Orly Airport on Tuesday, marking the start of a four‑day tour of France. The Pope was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron, who also took the opportunity to speak with the pontiff on a range of timely topics, from geopolitics to the ethics of artificial intelligence.

The medieval‑era pontiff followed with a public address in the heart of Paris before a Mass that is expected to gather more than half a million people on the grounds of the Notre‑Dame Cathedral. Its schedule was announced by the Vatican on Friday.

BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield says the enthusiasm for the visit is tied to a newfound spiritual awakening among many French citizens, a phenomenon that the Vatican is keen to encourage as Europe faces cultural change.

The Pope’s message, broadcast live, urged unity, forgiveness and a more inclusive approach to faith. He also called on French leaders to extend support to refugees arriving across the southern borders.

The city has prepared for thousands of visitors: police checkpoints have been set up at major entry points and the transit system is running on an extended schedule. Followers from across the globe are expected to make the pilgrimage, adding to an already packed itinerary that will culminate in a televised ceremony on Friday afternoon.