Pope Leo drew 800,000 people to central Paris for an open‑air Mass on an iconic square, drawing a crowd that dwarfed the usual attendance at many European churches.
The turnout testified to the church's lasting influence in France, even as secularising trends have emptied churches across the continent.
France has a long Catholic heritage, yet church attendance has been on a decline in recent years, making the massive gathering all the more striking.
While the event was held outdoors, the sheer number of participants highlighted the enduring role of Catholicism in French public life.
Such large crowds underscore that, despite broader secularisation, the Catholic Church remains a significant presence in France.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>