Pope Leo XIV’s France Visit Draws Massive Crowds Amidst Renewed Spiritual Interest

Key points

• Pope Leo XIV began a four-day visit to France, with over 600,000 expected to attend a Mass on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
• The visit includes stops in Lourdes and Metz, where the Pope will honor Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union.
• President Emmanuel Macron greeted the Pope but will not attend the Masses to respect France's separation of state and religion.
• The trip coincides with a surge in adult and youth baptisms in France, attributed to growing spiritual interest and digital evangelism.
• Tensions arose between the Élysée Palace and the Vatican over ceremonial expectations, though officials dismissed reports of a rift.

Background

Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, has a personal connection to France through his paternal grandmother, who was born in Le Havre. France has a complex history with the Catholic Church, having been known as the 'Eldest Daughter of the Church' but later secularizing. Recent years have seen a decline in regular worshippers and priests, but a recent surge in baptisms suggests a renewed interest in faith. Previous popes, including John Paul II and Francis, have visited France, but this is the first official papal visit in 18 years.

How outlets are covering it

BBC emphasizes the massive crowds and political dynamics, noting tensions between Macron and the Vatican over ceremonial aspects. Vatican News highlights the spiritual renewal and the Pope's message of peace to a 'hesitant Europe,' citing a shift from a management-based to a generativity-based pastoral approach. OSV News focuses on the Pope's personal connection to the Catholic Institute of Paris and the surge in baptisms, linking it to his favorite spiritual writer, Brother Lawrence. Le Monde provides behind-the-scenes logistics of the papal visit, noting the involvement of 80 journalists and the codified nature of such trips.

Why it matters

The visit underscores a potential shift in religious engagement in Europe, particularly in France, where secularism has long dominated. The massive turnout and surge in baptisms suggest a renewed interest in Catholicism, which could have implications for social cohesion and political discourse. The Pope's message of peace and social cohesion may resonate with a Europe facing economic and social challenges.

What to watch

The Pope will continue his visit with events in Lourdes and Metz, including a tribute to Robert Schuman and meetings with migrants and abuse victims. The Archdiocese of Paris will hold plenary sessions of its Synodal Assembly following the visit. The Pope's address to UNESCO is also expected to draw attention, focusing on education, science, and culture.