Pope Leo XIV addresses 80,000 French youth

Pope Leo XIV addressed approximately 80,000 young people during a prayer vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday, Sept. 25. The event concluded the first day of the pope's visit to France and featured the relics of the Holy Cross.

During his meditation, the pope encouraged the youth to seek true freedom through a living relationship with Jesus Christ. He advised them to avoid lifestyles that prioritize material possessions or social media validation, which he said can leave life feeling empty and meaningless. He also urged them to follow a path toward holiness, noting that those who live with God are free from things that darken life.

The vigil included musical performances and actors portraying French saints, such as Joan of Arc. The pope also addressed the need for unity and dialogue among French Catholics, including traditionalists who favor the old Latin liturgy. The event began with a greeting from Étienne Guillet, the bishop of Saint-Denis.