Culture
Pope Leo XIV Draws Massive Crowds in France: 'He Offers Hope'
Pope Leo XIV is visiting France for the first time in 18 years, drawing massive crowds comparable to major pop concerts. His four-day tour includes stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, with events expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees, including 80,000 at the Stade de France and half a million at Place de la Concorde. The visit, estimated to cost 27 million euros, has prompted significant fundraising efforts by the Catholic Church and wealthy donors. Despite some non-believers avoiding the crowds, many citizens view the Pope as a historic symbol offering hope, leading to sold-out venues and full hotels across the country.
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