Pope Léon XIV began his four-day visit to France on September 25, 2026, and was greeted by a fervent crowd. The Pope's first major event was a vigil at the Stade de France, where he met with 80,000 young people. According to Vatican News, the stadium had never seen such a large gathering since its inauguration in 1998. The event featured testimonials, songs, and artistic performances.
During the vigil, the Pope responded to questions from young people, including Chloé, a pharmacy student engaged in community work. She asked how to share her faith with people of other religions. The Pope emphasized the importance of spiritual dynamics and encouraged Chloé to continue her community engagement. He cited the example of Mediterranean youth encounters as a sign of fraternity.
The Pope also spoke to François, a rural student in agronomy and a scout leader, who sought guidance on orienting his life. The Pope advised François to commit to serving peace, which can transform fears into hope and complaints into responsible engagement. He acknowledged that anxiety and uncertainty can be obstacles to enthusiasm but encouraged François to keep his heart open to the sufferings of others.
The vigil included a veneration of the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil, which was brought to the Stade de France for the occasion. The Pope reflected on the significance of the tunic and the cross, symbols of the Passion. He encouraged the young people to regard these relics as signs of hope and to see themselves as part of the Church born from God's life given to the world.
In his address, the Pope emphasized three key exhortations: "avoid, tend, and combat." He urged the young people to avoid pride, vanity, violence, and greed, which can possess and dominate them. Instead, he encouraged them to strive for justice, piety, faith, charity, patience, and kindness.
The event concluded with a festive atmosphere, featuring a fireworks display and an outburst of joy from the young people. The Pope smiled and waved in response to their enthusiasm. According to Mgr Etienne Guillet, the gathering was a celebration of the diversity and multiculturalism of the French people.
The Pope's visit to France was widely covered by local and international media. His message to the young people was one of hope, encouragement, and spiritual guidance. The event at the Stade de France was a highlight of his four-day visit, which aimed to strengthen the faith and commitment of young people in France.
Key points
- The Pope emphasized the importance of spiritual dynamics and encouraged young people to engage with their faith in their daily lives.
- He advised young people to avoid negative influences and strive for virtues such as justice, piety, and charity.
- The Pope's visit to France was marked by a festive and enthusiastic atmosphere, with 80,000 young people attending the vigil at the Stade de France.