In Secular France, Young Catholics Treat Pope Leo XIV Like a Rock Star

An estimated 300,000 lined his route to Notre-Dame, where he told the clergy to put communion with Peter before personal preference. France baptized a record 21,000 people this Easter. Here is why.

Pope Leo XIV waves to crowds from the popemobile in Paris on Sept. 25, 2026. Local authorities estimated that 300,000 people lined his route from UNESCO headquarters to Notre-Dame de Paris. (Vatican Media)

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