Pope Leo XIV visits France amid civil unrest

Pope Leo XIV recently completed a visit to France, which included Masses in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. The visit was marked by large gatherings, including a million people on the Champs-Élysées and a presentation by 8,000 youth regarding French Catholic history.

Following the papal visit, France has experienced widespread protests and riots. These disturbances, involving students and various political groups, have resulted in the burning of schools, looting of businesses, and assaults on police and citizens. Observers have noted a stark contrast between the peace of the papal visit and the subsequent civil violence, which some suggest reflects deeper economic and cultural tensions within the state.