Pope Leo XIV received a rockstar welcome in Paris this week. Even in a country that prides itself on being secular—meaning they keep religion and government separate—hundreds of thousands of people turned out to see him.

Around 800,000 people gathered in a central square in Paris for a giant outdoor Mass. It was a massive turnout that showed just how much interest there is in his visit, even in a place that isn't traditionally religious.

While in the city, the Pope took time to send an important message. He warned the crowds about the rise of Artificial Intelligence, or AI. He called a world controlled by AI a "paradise of machines." He wants people to remember the human side of life instead of relying too much on technology.

France has a very strict law about keeping religion out of public life. Many were curious to see how the government would handle such a high-profile religious visit. So far, the mood has been one of excitement rather than conflict, as people from all over came to hear him speak.

In addition to the big events, the Pope also made a quiet stop at Maison Bakhita, a center that helps people in need. While there, he shared a simple but powerful message: "No one is so poor that they have nothing to give."

It was a busy few days in France for the leader of the Catholic Church. He managed to draw massive crowds while also sparking a real conversation about where our world is heading with all the new technology being built.

Source: apnews.com