Young Catholics flood Paris streets as Pope Leo XIV makes historic Notre-Dame visit

Pope Leo XIV drew large crowds to the streets of Paris on Friday, becoming the first pope to visit Notre-Dame de Paris since the cathedral reopened in 2024 following its devastating 2019 fire. Standing inside the restored landmark, he praised its "splendor" and declared that "the heart of a people" beats within its walls.

Young Catholics seized on the occasion to carry their faith into the crowds gathering across the city. Members of the Anuncio movement fanned out among the public armed with paper fortune-tellers and pop worship songs, engaging strangers in conversations about God in one of Europe's most secular societies.

The scenes reflected a broader sense of hope among France's younger faithful. "I hope France wakes up," one participant said, capturing the quiet determination felt by many who joined the day's events. The papal visit appeared to energise a generation of Catholics eager to reclaim a place for religion in French public life.