Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to France attracted widespread attention, drawing large crowds and prompting notable participation from French political figures despite the country’s strong secular tradition. Over 800,000 people gathered along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris last weekend to witness the pope’s Mass, a turnout that exceeded expectations and highlighted persistent currents of faith in French society.
The pope’s presence also brought together a significant segment of the French political establishment. Key figures including the prime minister and five presidential candidates attended the Mass held at the Place de la Concorde. However, no candidates from the left or President Emmanuel Macron were present at this event. Macron later altered his schedule to attend a Mass celebrated by the pope in Metz, signaling a shift in his engagement with the Catholic Church during a politically sensitive period.
The visit sparked diverse reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters from various ideological backgrounds praised the pope’s messages, which touched on themes such as social justice, tolerance, immigration, and opposition to medically assisted dying—a contentious issue in France. Leo’s calls for welcoming refugees stood in contrast to restrictive immigration policies advanced by far-right parties, including Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. Le Pen, meanwhile, faces her own challenges after a report surfaced accusing her party president, Jordan Bardella, of having sent antisemitic messages years ago, an allegation he has denied.
Observers interpreted the pope’s appeal as partly stemming from his modest and reserved demeanor, which contrasted with the often grandiose style of French politicians. Charles Mercier, a scholar of Catholicism, described Leo’s charisma as defined by humility and authenticity, a quality that resonated with many French citizens. The pope did not shy away from expressing views with political implications but framed them within the context of applying the Gospel rather than engaging in politics.
President Macron’s evolving stance toward the Catholic Church illustrated broader changes in the relationship between religion and state in France. Unlike past presidents who distanced themselves from papal visits to uphold strict secularism, Macron has become more open to visibly engaging with the church. His attendance at Pope Francis’s Mass in Marseille last year marked a departure from previous norms, although he initially sidestepped the Paris Mass by sending proxies before ultimately joining the pope in Metz. Experts attributed this acceptance in part to the reduced influence of Catholicism in French society, where fewer than half identify as Catholic and only a small fraction regularly attend church.
Political dynamics also reflect shifting attitudes toward secularism. Some left-wing figures have come to view rigid secularism with suspicion, concerned it may be used to marginalize Muslim communities, a debate highlighted by Le Pen’s push to ban Muslim headscarves in public spaces. Meanwhile, elements of the far left have praised the pope’s emphasis on human dignity and his recent encyclical addressing the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
Overall, Pope Leo’s visit underscored the complex interplay between religion, politics, and society in France as the nation prepares for a presidential election amid an uncertain political landscape.