Pope Leo XIV Blesses Babies From Popemobile on Way to Paris Mass

Pope Leo XIV blessed babies and young children from the popemobile as he rode down the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris on his way to hold an outdoor Mass, according to a report by France 24.

The gesture allowed the pope a moment of close contact with families gathered along the route ahead of the larger Mass held at place de la Concorde.

A familiar papal tradition

Blessing infants and young children from the popemobile is a common practice during papal visits, offering a moment of direct engagement between the pope and crowds gathered along a procession route.

The exact number of families able to approach the pope during this portion of his route was not specified in the available report.

The moment formed part of the broader program of the pope's visit to Paris, which included the outdoor Mass held afterward.