Pope Leo XIV to view relic of Christ’s Tunic in France

Pope Leo XIV will view a relic of the tunic worn by Christ during his passion on September 25. The garment, which is kept at the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Argenteuil, France, will be displayed at the conclusion of a youth vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

The relic will travel nearly four miles from the basilica to the stadium. According to Father Guy-Emmanuel Cariot, former rector of the basilica of Argenteuil, this marks the first time a pope has witnessed an exposition of the Holy Tunic during a papal journey. More than 80,000 French young people have registered for the prayer vigil at the stadium.

Security measures for the transfer are extremely strict, and officials are keeping the specific route confidential. Authorities plan to use ground and aerial surveillance to protect the relic, citing the 1983 theft of the tunic as a reason for heightened precautions.