800,000 gather in Paris to hear Pope urge faith over money
Pope Leo told 800,000 Catholics at an outdoor Mass in Paris that only faith provides true happiness, not material things.
Crowds packed the Champs-Élysées on Saturday as Pope Leo said outdoor Mass. People chanted his name as he arrived in an open vehicle, blessing children and people with disabilities.
Pope Leo told them God alone can fill the emptiness we feel, and urged Catholics to seek meaning in faith, not possessions. The visit is part of a four-day French trip to repair the Church's trust after abuse scandals.
High-profile attendees included Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader polling ahead for next year's election, the French Prime Minister, and billionaire Bernard Arnault.
- 800,000 people
- Attendance
- 2 kilometres
- Boulevard length
- 4 days, 3 cities
- Visit duration
Why it mattersThe Pope used a massive public platform to rebuild trust in an institution damaged by scandal and to reach France's largely secular population.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the Pope's tour reflects global efforts by the Church to revive faith in traditionally Catholic countries where membership has fallen sharply.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 39 min ago
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