Pope Leon XIV greets crowds on 'popemobile' ride through Paris

Pope Leo XIV rode a specially designed “popemobile” through the streets of Paris on Friday, drawing enthusiastic crowds who waved and shouted praise as he passed. The pontiff, who had earlier delivered speeches urging peace and warning that humanity risked losing its soul in an AI‑driven “paradise of machines,” concluded his visit by leading Vespers at Notre‑Dam Cathedral. Observers in the throng described him as “extraordinary,” underscoring the high public interest in his presence in the French capital.

The pope’s remarks in Paris focused on the moral challenges posed by rapid technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, which he framed as a potential threat to human dignity if left unchecked. By linking calls for global peace with a cautionary stance on AI, Leo XIV positioned his visit as a platform for a broader ethical dialogue, contrasting with the more conventional diplomatic engagements that typically dominate papal trips. His address at UNESCO and a speech at the Élysée Palace earlier in the week reinforced this theme, urging world leaders to prioritize humanity over technological ambition.

Following the popemobile procession, the pontiff’s appearance at Notre‑Dam concluded a series of high‑profile events that included meetings with French officials and a televised address that emphasized faith over politics. The visit, widely covered by French media, is expected to influence ongoing debates in Europe about regulating AI, protecting human rights, and fostering interfaith cooperation. Religious leaders, policymakers, and technology experts alike have cited Leo XIV’s Paris tour as a catalyst for renewed discussion on how societies can balance innovation with the preservation of core human values.

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