Pope Leo XIV visit to France draws massive crowds and logistical criticism

Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to France drew massive crowds and significant political attention. According to Vatican estimates, approximately 800,000 people gathered for masses held at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées. French President Emmanuel Macron attended a mass in Metz, expressing joy and gratitude for the visit.

While the visit was marked by religious fervor, it also faced logistical criticism. Reda Belhaj, spokesperson for the Unité Île-de-France union, reported that some police officers deployed for security during the four-day event (September 25–28) received inadequate food. Specifically, some officers working 12-hour shifts were reportedly provided only a madeleine and a compote for both lunch and dinner.

Faithful citizens from various regions, including a group from the Saint-André Mesnilliers parish, traveled to Paris to participate in the events, highlighting the broad engagement across different generations of the French Catholic community.