Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France from 25 to 28 September 2026 brought together hundreds of thousands of people in Paris, Lourdes and Metz. In the following reflection, Jesuit Father Daniel Régent shares some of the joy and grace he experienced during these days, and reflects on the echoes of the Gospel he witnessed throughout the visit. The article was originally published on the website of Jesuit Province of EOF (Europe Occidentale Francophone).

After meeting his disciples on the mountain of Notre-Dame, the Pope came down the Champs-Élysées to reach Place de la Concorde. A great crowd was waiting for him. Small in stature, rather reserved and emotional, yet embracing who he is, he embodied the expectations of the crowd. He blessed children, showed tenderness towards a child with a disability, spoke simple and profound words, and shared the Eucharist. The crowd went home nourished, each person sensitive to the life that was stirring within them. There were 800,000 people, not counting those who were present through their televisions or social media.

We are astonished by the Gospel: how can such an immense crowd be drawn and arrive before Jesus, presumably waiting for many hours? How can Jesus speak to and feed 5,000 men, not counting women and children? We look for explanations: touched, the people took provisions out of their bags and shared them. The Gospel does not explain. It communicates the mystery to those who are willing to enter into it. Explanation avoids the path that has been opened.

The Gospel in XXL

At the end of this week, we experienced the Gospel in XXL.

At Notre-Dame, the Pope joined those who are engaged in the Church (8,000 people): “Teach us to pray.”

At the Stade de France (80,000 young people), he retraced the spiritual history of France through the faces of its saints, athletes of God; the Pope helped young people to discover the deep roots of their lives.

At Place de la Concorde (800,000 people), the boundaries between ecclesial sensitivities were transcended. Non-Christians had come to see. Like Zacchaeus, they were touched.

In Lourdes, he recalled respect for life, especially towards the most vulnerable. He listened to victims of people involved in Church missions.

Finally, in Metz, following his visit to UNESCO at the beginning of his journey, and in the presence of political leaders from beyond the usual boundaries, he spoke with vigour, as John the Baptist did on the banks of the Jordan, where he baptised.

The Gospel introduces us, with simplicity, into the heart of events similar to those that the Pope’s visit allowed us to experience. Like Jesus, after each episode, he withdrew, no doubt to return to prayer and to allow the mystery that surpasses everything to speak in silence to the heart of each person.

Thank you, Pope Leo, for this taste of the Gospel that you awakened in us through your visit. You led us to the right place: the events we experienced and the Gospel illuminate one another, bringing a profound joy.