‘Let it overflow’: Pope Leo draws 800,000 to open-air Mass in Paris
Vatican says 800,000 people in attendance as the Catholic religious leader continues four-day tour of France.

Vatican says 800,000 people in attendance as the Catholic religious leader continues four-day tour of France.


![British Prime Minister Andy Burnham looks at French President Emmanuel Macron as they pose for photos ahead of a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street on September 3, 2026 in London, UK [Leon Neal/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-03T133923Z_1327001305_RC2MBNAX5ATT_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-FRANCE-1788466043.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)





The decisions mark both a victory and a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who had championed both policies.
The situation in France is currently stable, authorities say, but another heatwave is on the way.
Macron, who continued his visit after the blasts, said Syria must not be ‘destabilised’ by the attacks.
Blasts occurred near hotel French president was reportedly staying in shortly after he departed for presidential palace.
The termination of the plan comes as Washington increases pressure on Europe to become more militarily independent.
President Macron, acknowledging France’s ‘responsibility’ in the genocide, calls memorial a reconciliation ‘milestone’.
France is facing deepening resentment in former African colonies where it once had political influence.

France is trying to rebrand itself during a summit with African heads of states in Kenya.

French President Macron pauses a speaker mid-presentation at Nairobi University to demand silence from the audience.
Paris seeks to repair economic and security ties while countering rising anti-French sentiment across Africa.