Pope Leo Wraps First Day of France Visit With Paris Stops and Youth Vigil

Pope Leo XIV closed the first day of a four-day visit to France on Friday, a trip that will take him to Paris, Lourdes and Metz.

The day's programme began in the French capital, where the pontiff appeared at a UNESCO event. He saluted the audience from the stage and was met with applause, with the Eiffel Tower visible behind flags of the organisation's member states.

Security personnel were stationed near the United Nations flag at the UNESCO headquarters, and attendees followed the proceedings closely, some filming on mobile phones.

Later, the pope travelled by popemobile to Notre Dame Cathedral, waving to crowds as his convoy departed and again on arrival. Clergy gathered around the vehicle, and nuns and members of the public looked on.

Outside the cathedral, crowds lined up and waited for the pope to emerge. He was seen praying in front of a statue, with the faithful joining in prayer nearby.

The first day concluded in Saint-Denis, where young believers danced and sang at a youth vigil. The pope arrived on the popemobile and greeted the crowd, which watched his movements on a large screen. The evening included a fireworks display, and those gathered waved at cameras as the event drew to a close.

The visit continues over the coming days with stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz.