Papa Leon al XIV-lea a adunat 700.000 de oameni pe Champs-Élysées. Slujbă istorică într-o Franță tot mai secularizată

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands gathered on the Champs-Élysées in Paris for an outdoor mass led by Pope Leo XIV, showcasing the Catholic Church's enduring influence in a largely secular France. Vatican estimates indicated 700,000 attendees, surpassing prior registrations. During his address, the Pope urged participants to foster a nation rooted in faith. Despite a significant security presence, the atmosphere was festive, attracting diverse attendees, including non-believers. The Pope's message extended beyond Catholics, addressing social justice. While adult baptisms in France have tripled since 2016, experts warn of a generational decline in church attendance among children of practicing Catholics. The event rivaled other major celebrations in Paris, highlighting the complex relationship between religion and secularism in France.