Pope Leo XIV leads 80,000 young Catholics in prayer at Stade de France

Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil for at least 80,000 young Catholics at the Stade de France on Friday, September 25, 2026. The program included an artistic performance depicting French saints and Church history, a question-and-answer session with the pope, and prayer before the relics of the Holy Tunic and the Holy Cross.

During his meditation, the pope told young people that true freedom comes from a living connection with Jesus. He described the struggle of faith as a battle that does not use violence, contempt, or suppression, but rather the gift of love. He also encouraged the attendees to live the gospel and follow the examples of the saints.

The gathering brought together diverse groups, including students from Catholic schools in the Côtes d'Armor region and families from Versailles. Participants also displayed Breton and Vendéan flags during the event. Following the vigil, the pope held a conference at UNESCO on the morning of September 26, and a mass took place at the Place de la Concorde in Paris that afternoon.