Pope Leads Mass at Place de la Concorde in First Papal Visit to France in Nearly Two Decades
On the second day of his four-day visit to France, the first US pope held a mass at Place de la Concorde in Paris, just seven months ahead of the upcoming elections for French voters. The 71-year-old pontiff officiated the service beneath a large white canopy that served as a temporary altar, with numerous screens set up to help attendees follow the 90-minute ceremony. As the sun pierced through the overcast skies, prayers were accompanied by choir and organ music. This trip marks the first official papal visit to France in nearly 20 years, generating significant enthusiasm and spiritual excitement among the faithful in a nation with strong Catholic traditions.
Key facts
- The pope is the first US pontiff.
- The visit took place seven months before French voters went to the polls.
- The pope is 71 years old.
- The trip is a four-day visit to France.
- It is the first official papal visit to France in nearly two decades.
- The mass was held at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
- A giant white canopy served as a makeshift altar.
- Dozens of screens were installed for worshippers to follow the hour-and-a-half service.
- Choir and organ music accompanied the pope's prayers.
- The sun broke through grey skies during the service.
- France is described as a secular country with deep Catholic roots.
- The pope leads the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
Entities
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Place de la Concorde