Metz, France – Pope Leo XIV’s recent pilgrimage to France attracted unprecedented crowds, underscoring a resurgence of Catholic faith in a nation often described as the “eldest daughter of the Church.” In Paris, roughly 800,000 people lined the Champs‑Élysées to catch a glimpse of the popemobile, while in Lourdes an estimated 150,000 gathered for an open‑air Mass, according to Vatican figures.
Faith revival among French youth
The pontiff’s itinerary emphasized a revitalization of faith among younger generations. At the Stade de France, about 80,000 young people attended a lively prayer vigil, and French bishops reported a 20% rise in baptisms for 2026, with 42% of adult candidates aged 18‑25. Rev. Benoît Pouzin, a priest involved in youth ministry, said, “People are searching for meaning and answers to the big existential questions.”
Addressing the sexual‑abuse scandal
Leo did not shy away from the Church’s painful past. He met privately with seven survivors of clerical abuse and publicly thanked them for their testimony, pledging that the harm they suffered must never be repeated. The pope also ordered Vatican media to cease using artwork by Rev. Marko Rupnik, a Slovenian priest accused of sexual and psychological abuse, pending a Vatican trial.
AI and moral guidance
Beyond spiritual matters, Leo warned of the moral hazards of artificial intelligence, calling for stronger guardrails to prevent a “paradise of machines.” He contrasted his stance with the Trump administration’s more permissive approach, emphasizing the need for ethical oversight as AI technologies proliferate.
Political and cultural context
President Emmanuel Macron attended a Mass in Metz, echoing his participation in Pope Francis’s 2023 visit despite earlier criticism. The pope also voiced support for a united Europe, stronger international cooperation, and condemned the recent French legislation on assisted dying, which the Church opposes.
Personal moments on the road
Leo’s unscripted moments included a light‑hearted reply about a Chicago White Sox victory (“No comment… Great things happen in Chicago”) and a playful jab at “fake news” when asked about his language‑learning app. These interactions highlighted his personable style while reinforcing his commitment to honest communication with the press.
Overall, the French tour demonstrated Pope Leo XIV’s dual focus on renewing traditional Catholic values and confronting modern challenges, from youth disengagement to emerging technologies.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
