Pope Leo XIV Welcomed by Crowds in Paris

According to reports from Khaosod Online, citing BBC, an estimated 800,000 people lined the Champs-Élysées and the area around the Arc de Triomphe on Saturday, September 26, to greet Pope Leo XIV. The pontiff traveled through the city center in his popemobile, stopping to bless infants and greet the public before heading to a large-scale open-air mass held at the Place de la Concorde.

Earlier that day, the Pope visited the 'Maison Bakhita' center, an organization dedicated to assisting refugees. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of living together with dignity and peace, while also highlighting the role of women in society. He further cautioned against the risks of artificial intelligence, describing it as a potential loss of humanity within a 'paradise of machines.'

For travelers and residents in France, this event marks a significant period of high-profile public gatherings. While the Paris events have concluded, a major mass is scheduled for Sunday in Lourdes, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, with over 150,000 people registered to attend. Visitors in the region should anticipate continued heavy traffic and potential disruptions to public transport near pilgrimage sites. Official confirmation regarding specific road closures or security measures for the upcoming Lourdes ceremony should be checked through local authorities.