Pope Leo XIV arrived at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Friday as cheering crowds lined the streets of the French capital on the first day of the pontiff's landmark visit.

After greeting well-wishers from his popemobile, the pontiff entered the iconic cathedral, which reopened in 2024 following the devastating fire that nearly destroyed it five years earlier.

Earlier, enthusiastic crowds started to gather in France's capital to see Pope Leo XIV, after he warned against losing humanity in a "paradise of machines" as concern grows about artificial intelligence.

Hundreds of thousands are expected to line the streets of Paris as the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics makes the first official papal trip to the European nation in 18 years.

Anticipation grew among the faithful after Pope Leo spoke at the presidential palace with President Emmanuel Macron of the need to safeguard humanity against AI.

"If we are to avoid losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines invading and conditioning our daily lives, there is an urgent need for education in ethical discernment," he said.

The first US pontiff's visit comes just seven months away from presidential elections to replace Macron, with the anti-immigration far right eyeing its best chance at seizing power after the centrist. (AFP)




Edited by Azam Khan