Pope Leo XIV tells young people they are the saints of France

Pope Leo XIV told young people gathered at the Stade de France that they are the saints of France. During his meeting with the group, the pope thanked them for their courage, presence, and faith.

The Archdiocese of Avignon noted that these words suggest holiness is a vocation available to everyone in ordinary life, such as in schools, families, and parishes, rather than being reserved for historical figures or statues.

As All Saints' Day approaches, the Archdiocese suggested this celebration as a way to focus on the victory of Christ over death and the communion of saints. The Archdiocese noted that while Halloween may have historical connections to the eve of All Saints' Day, modern celebrations often emphasize an aesthetic of death through images of skeletons and witches.