- 26 September, 2026
PARIS, September 25, 2026: Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to follow Christ without fear and commit themselves to peace, fraternity and Christian virtues during a prayer vigil at the Stade de France in Paris, France, on Friday evening, attended by approximately 80,000 young people from across the country.
The gathering marked the conclusion of the Pope’s first day in France. Young people from diverse backgrounds, including students, workers and young professionals, came together to pray and listen to the Holy Father.
The evening featured testimonies, music and artistic performances highlighting the lives of French saints. The programme included the singing of Caccini’s Ave Maria by Monroe and 2,500 choristers, followed by a presentation on the lives of saints, including Thérèse of Lisieux, Charles de Foucauld and Louis and Zélie Martin.
Faith and fraternity in a diverse society
Responding to a question from Chloé, a pharmacology student involved in service in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, Pope Leo XIV reflected on sharing the Christian faith with people of other religions.
“We are all part of this spiritual dynamic,” the Pope said, acknowledging the challenge posed by people who are unfamiliar with God and those who disregard the dignity and suffering of others.
He expressed concern about attitudes that reject the poor, vulnerable and sick, “thinking that each person is worth only what they produce”.
Encouraging Chloé to continue her service, the Pope said: “It is there, in the reality of everyday life, and sometimes in the midst of difficulties, that your faith becomes a vibrant witness to hope,” he said, in a spirit of fraternity with “those who do not share our faith”.
He also referred to encounters among young people from Mediterranean countries as an encouraging example of fraternity.
Pope calls young people to serve peace
François, an agronomy student from a rural background and a scout leader, asked the Pope how he could discern his vocation and remain faithful to his commitment.
“Commit yourself to the service of peace, which helps us to grow,” the Holy Father replied.
He explained that commitment transforms “fears into hope, and complaints into responsible engagement’, while ‘our wounds then find consolation and redemption”.
Addressing the uncertainties experienced by young people, including concerns about relationships, climate change and the economic and international situation, Pope Leo XIV urged them to listen attentively to their feelings and remain sensitive to the suffering of others.
He also encouraged those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, telling them: “The Church in France needs you so much,” he said. “Do not be afraid of this call!”
Holy Tunic of Argenteuil presented for veneration
The vigil included a period of prayer and veneration of the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil, which was brought to the stadium for the occasion.
Reflecting on the Tunic and the Cross as signs of Christ’s Passion, the Pope said: “The cross, an instrument of death, becomes a sign of hope.”
He explained that the Tunic, taken from Jesus, clothes believers “in the white robe, washed in the blood of the Lamb”.
The two relics, he said, “represent us, the Church born from the life of God given to the world”.
‘Avoid, reach out and fight’
In his concluding appeal, Pope Leo XIV presented three directions for Christian life: “avoid, reach out and fight”.
He called on young people to avoid pride, vanity, violence and greed, while reaching towards justice, piety, faith, charity, patience and gentleness as they strive for holiness.
Explaining the struggle of faith, the Pope emphasised that Christian commitment is not directed against others but involves living according to the Gospel as disciples of Jesus.
Such a struggle, he said, “does not use the weapons of violence, contempt or oppression. Our only weapon is that of self-giving love”.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV reminded the young people that the Holy Spirit brings light and consolation amid forces that divide humanity and weaken its relationship with God.
He invited the gathering to respond collectively to Christ’s call, saying: “Let us choose together the virtues we must develop in order to follow the Lord.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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