# Pope Leo XIV's Paris Mass Draws 700,000

> Pope Leo XIV's Paris Mass draws 700,000 people amid French secularism tensions.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV's Paris Mass Draws 700,000 · ABC7 Los Angeles
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV's Paris Mass draws 700,000 people amid French secularism tensions. Pope Leo XIV's outdoor Mass in Paris attracted 700,000 attendees, showing…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, paris, champs-elysees, mass, catholic church, france, secularism, baptisms, place de la concorde, popemobile, news, local
- Source: ABC7 Los Angeles — https://abc7.com/post/pope-leo-xiv-fills-central-paris-700000-strong-crowd-fervor-giant-outdoor-mass/19876400
- Published: 2026-09-26T15:50:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, paris, champs-elysees, mass, catholic church, france, secularism, baptisms, place de la concorde, popemobile, news, local
## Pope Leo XIV's Paris Mass
Pope Leo XIV drew hundreds of thousands to Paris' Champs-Élysées for a massive outdoor Mass on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
## 700,000 Attendees
The Vatican estimated 700,000 people attended, exceeding the 600,000 pre-registered participants.
## Pope's Message
Pope Leo XIV urged attendees to share their faith, saying, 'Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied.'

> Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied
## Cross-Generational Appeal
People of all faiths and ages attended, with children brought to the pope's popemobile for head caresses.
## Secular France Tensions
Critics argued the Place de la Concorde, a symbol of the French Republic, was inappropriate for a Catholic Mass compared to the Invalides.
## Baptism Surge
France's adult baptisms tripled since 2016, hitting 13,000 in 2026, though overall church attendance remains declining.
## Pope's Birthday Present
Jean-Claude Farnabe, 63, secured a spot in the crowd after turning 63, witnessing a surge in new converts.
## Historic Square
Place de la Concorde, a site of French Revolution executions, hosted the Mass with a giant stage and choir.
## Pope's Call to Persevere
Pope Leo XIV encouraged French Catholics to persevere in faith 'even amid the thorns' of a secular world.

> even amid the thorns
## Mass Concludes
The Mass ended with Pope Leo XIV thanking attendees for their courage and faith, calling them 'the saints of France.'

> Thank you for your courage! Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your faith. You are the saints of France!
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV's outdoor Mass in Paris attracted 700,000 attendees, showing Catholic resilience despite France's secular trends.