Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass at Place de la Concorde Amid Secularism Debate

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Place de la Concorde in central Paris on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of faithful to a site that organisers said was the only one in the city centre capable of holding the expected crowds. More than 600,000 people registered to attend, and the crowd area was extended last week in anticipation of further arrivals. Many gathered along the adjacent Champs-Élysées, watching the service on screens near the Arc de Triomphe.

Security was tight across central Paris, with road closures and crowd-control measures echoing the lockdown seen during the 2024 Olympic Games. Volunteers distributed flags and booklets as worshippers passed through security checks.

Among those waiting to enter, Anne Thomas, a Catholic from the Paris region, said the Pope reminded her of John Paul II, describing him as modern and able to bring people together. Thibaut de Maynard, 57, spoke of his pride at seeing the Holy Father alongside a large crowd of French faithful. Thérèse Ebelle, 81, said the Pope continued in the tradition of Francis and sought peace in the world, though she questioned whether political leaders would follow his message.

Volunteers expressed their own enthusiasm. Manuela Da Silva, 56, called the experience magical, while Anne Herriau, 51, said she had wanted to see a pope she felt possessed a human touch, adding that she was happy simply to be part of the event.

The choice of venue drew criticism from defenders of France's strict secular tradition, who argued that the square symbolises the Republic and that an alternative such as the Invalides — where Benedict XVI celebrated Mass before 240,000 people in 2008 — would have been more suitable. France, a traditionally Catholic country, enforces a separation of church and state under a 1905 law.

Designed in the late 18th century, the Place de la Concorde was a principal execution site during the French Revolution, where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were guillotined. It remains a symbol of the Republic, with presidents traditionally marking Bastille Day there. The Champs-Élysées has long hosted major public celebrations, including an estimated 1.5 million people after France's 1998 World Cup victory.