Pope Leo Paris visit drew massive crowds today as more than 600,000 people registered to attend an outdoor Mass on the Champs-Elysees, expected to be the largest gathering of his four-day tour of France.People began arriving before dawn along the famous Paris avenue. Mass. Police closed surrounding streets as preparations were made for Pope Leo to travel through the area in an open-top popemobile.

The pontiff is making a four-day, three-city trip as the Catholic Church seeks to strengthen its standing in the country following years of concern over clergy abuse scandals.Pope Leo has also used the France tour to address major international issues. Speaking at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Friday, he warned about challenges facing the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.

Pope Leo Urges Global Rethink On AI Development

Pope Leo urged global leaders to rethink artificial intelligence development, warning against machines gaining excessive control over human life. He also met newly baptised Catholics at the Catholic University of Paris. France has seen a rise in adult baptisms, with a record 21,000 people baptised during Easter, according to the French Bishops’ Conference.

However, Catholic affiliation has declined over the longer term. Official statistics showed that 25% of French people aged 18 to 49 identified as Catholic, compared with 43% a decade earlier.Pope Leo is scheduled to continue his France tour in Lourdes, one of the world’s best-known Catholic pilgrimage destinations. He is also expected to meet seven French victims of clergy abuse on Sunday.The huge Paris turnout highlights the public attention surrounding Pope Leo’s France visit as he combines religious events with messages about diplomacy, technology and challenges facing the Catholic Church.