Ahead of Paris mass, pope urges life together in 'dignity and peace' - EWN

PARIS - Pope Leo XIV said on Saturday it was possible to "live together in dignity and peace" as he met migrants in Paris, ahead of a giant open-air mass expected to gather hundreds of thousands of people on the iconic Champs Elysees.

The first US pontiff is visiting France on a four-day trip as the European nation gears up for elections next year to replace centrist President Emmanuel Macron, with the anti-immigration far right eyeing its best chance at the top job.

On the second day of the first official papal visit to the European nation in 18 years, the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics will lead the faithful in prayer from 3:00 pm (1300 GMT).

Around 600,000 people were expected to attend the event at Place de la Concorde and along the adjoining Champs Elysees.

President Emmanuel Macron will not attend the mass, but several presidential hopefuls, including far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Edouard Philippe, have confirmed their attendance.

Earlier Saturday the pope visited Maison Bakhita, an association supporting migrants and refugees.