700,000 attend papal Mass in Paris
September 26, 2026
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass this afternoon at the Place de la Concorde in Paris (video 1, video 2) and emphasized in his homily that Jesus quenches the thirst present in every human heart.
Vatican News reported that 700,000 people attended the Mass.
“The desire for God dwells deep within our hearts, and we cry out with the psalmist: ‘My soul thirsts for God, for the living God,’“ (Ps 42:2), Pope Leo preached. “This is the cry of a humble and passionate heart whose deepest, most existential thirst continues to grow. And it is Jesus Christ, through his Incarnation, who comes to meet every person in the midst of his or her own story, and reveals himself as the true source of living water capable of quenching our thirst.”
The Pope continued:
Yes, brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, leads us, as a shepherd leads his sheep, to the source of happiness and peace. He knows each one of us by name. Nothing about us is hidden from him—neither our secrets, nor our intentions nor our weaknesses. He searches the depths of our hearts.
He gave his life for us and continues to give it to us through the sacraments. He carries the weary and wounded sheep on his shoulders, and gently brings back those who have gone astray. Jesus reveals God’s unconditional love for us. In his eyes, none of us is merely a number or an entry in a register, but a unique and irreplaceable person.
“Seeing you gathered here, my brothers and sisters, heirs to France’s long and beautiful history of faith, I say to you: drink from the source that is the pierced heart of Jesus,” the Pontiff added. “Yes, you thirst for God, for life, for truth, for unity, for peace, for communion and for happiness. You long to rediscover a horizon filled with light and to build a renewed nation upon roots nourished by faith. Do not keep this faith in Jesus Christ to yourselves. Let it overflow, so that those you meet may be refreshed and their thirst satisfied.”
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Further information:
- Apostolic Journey to France: Holy Mass (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/26/26)
- Pope at Paris Mass: God quenches the thirst in every human heart (Vatican News, 9/26/26)
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