Pope Leo XIV's visit to Paris and meeting at the Bakhita House

The Bakhita House, run on the initiative of the Archdiocese of Paris, was established in response to Pope Francis' appeal to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants. The facility helps everyone, regardless of their legal and administrative status.

Its patron is Saint Josephine Bakhita - a former slave and nun from Darfur, considered a symbol of the fight against slavery.

This house is a testimony to the entire city that we can meet and live together in dignity and peace, said Leo XIV during a meeting with migrants, clergy and volunteers.

The Pope, referring to the patron saint of the house, emphasized the role of women in building the "civilization of love", which is to be a response to a culture that weakens communities and deepens loneliness.

“They are not written by those who give the impression of winners.”

Leo XIV argued that the real importance in history is not those who dominate others, but people who are able to create space for others and strengthen trust.

If we look more closely at the history of the Church and humanity, we will see that they are not written by those who give the impression of winners, imposing their will and taking up space, but by those who make room for others, launch peace processes, inspire trust and support life, he said.

He added that we need decisions made against the grain, not just declarations. He also emphasized that it is necessary to help people who are reduced by the economy and culture to the role of slaves.

For Christians, the poor are not a sociological category, but the very body of Christ, the pope emphasized.

French newspapers with an enthusiastic welcome

The media in France, in turn, comment on the warm reception of Leo XIV on the first day of his journey. The Pope met crowds in Paris and in the evening participated in a youth prayer vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

"Ouest-France" notes that interest in the visit is also visible outside Catholic circles. According to the newspaper, at a time of international and social tensions, the French expect a message of peace and hope. The daily estimates that the visit "is already historic."

"Le Monde" reports that 80,000 young people at the Stade de France welcomed the pope "like a rock star". The newspaper reminds that despite the increasing secularization of the country, more and more teenagers and young people decide to be baptized.

According to Le Parisien, Leo XIV "passed the Paris test" by using the presence of large crowds to present his message. "Le Figaro" writes about the joyful passage of the Popemobile through Paris and the enthusiasm of believers and non-believers.