Pope Francis praised young people's energy and commitment while 700,000 gathered for an open‑air Mass in central Paris, marking a major moment in his France visit.

Pope Francis praised the energy and commitment of young people as about 700,000 gathered for an open‑air Mass in central Paris.

Mass in central Paris

The ceremony took place on a public square near the Seine, where police estimated the crowd at roughly 700,000 participants. Attendees listened to the Pope’s address and joined in prayer.

Pope's remarks on youth

During his homily, the Pope said, "Your energy and commitment inspire us all." He urged young Catholics to remain active in their communities and to carry forward the values of the Church.

He added that the future of the faith rests on the enthusiasm of its younger members and called for continued dialogue between generations.

Security and logistics

French authorities deployed thousands of officers to manage traffic, maintain order, and ensure public safety. Emergency services were on standby throughout the event.

Organizers coordinated with local officials to provide sanitation, medical assistance, and multilingual information points for international visitors.

Reactions

• Faithful described the gathering as a moment of hope and unity.
• Local businesses reported a surge in activity around the venue.
• Vatican officials confirmed the Pope’s message aligns with the Church’s outreach to youth.

The Mass marked a high point in the Pope’s itinerary across France, highlighting both his focus on young believers and the scale of public interest in his visit.