The Pope in Paris: invitation to French Catholics to bear witness to the faith

The Pope, in the mass at Place de la Concorde, invites French Catholics to abandon a faith lived in private. "Aspire to rediscover a bright horizon, to build a renewed nation starting from its roots watered by faith. Don't keep faith in Jesus Christ just for yourselves, but let it overflow to quench the thirst and fill the people you meet. It is up to you to bring hope where discouragement and spiritual aridity reign", said Leo XIV in the secular country where baptisms are multiplying. “In fact, it is by accepting to live in the truth under the gaze of Jesus that we can be authentic.”

The Pope cited the great saints of the history of France and underlined that "even today there are very many in our society, in our parishes, in our various activities, those who continue to commit themselves in favor of life, family, truth, peace, brotherhood, justice". "From this beautiful city of Paris, I fervently pray that the living water of the Holy Spirit may spread throughout France. I think of you, dear families, who despite the many difficulties you face daily, courageously persevere in your mission", added the Pontiff. Then he spoke to the young people: "You are the Church of today! How beautiful it is to see your enthusiasm, your dynamism, your commitment and the joy within the Christian communities. I also think of you, dear catechumens and neophytes, who undertake the path of faith, conversion and Christian initiation. May the gift of the Holy Spirit make you witnesses, ready to spread the civilization of love around you", concluded Leo XIV.

"God has an "unconditional love" for us and "in his eyes, none of us is a number on an identity card, nor an identification code, but a person, a unique and irreplaceable person". The Pope said this in the homily of the Mass at the Place de la Concorde. "Seeing you gathered here, dear brothers and sisters, heirs of a long and beautiful holy history in France, I say to you: drink, in your turn, from this source which is the Heart pierced by Jesus. Yes, you thirst for God, for life, for truth, for unity, for peace, for communion, for happiness”.