Pope Leo XIV at the Stade de France: everything you need to know about the great youth vigil

The grand youth vigil with Pope Leo XIV will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Stade de France. More than 80,000 young people aged 17 to 35 are expected for this major gathering that blends celebration, teaching and prayer. Program, schedule, registrations... here’s what we know.

The countdown is on. Pope Leo XIV is due in France from September 25 to 28, 2026, with stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz. In the capital, one of the key events will take place on Friday, September 25 at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis: a prayer vigil for young people aged 17 to 35. Ahead of the solemn Mass celebrated the following day on Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Élysées, this evening is expected to be one of the visit’s high points.

More than 80,000 young people are expected to fill the stands and the Stade de France pitch for this meeting with the Pope.

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An evening gathering for 17- to 35-year-olds

The gathering is aimed at young people from across France. The evening will mix celebration, instruction and prayer, centered on Pope Leo XIV, who will himself speak during the vigil.

The doors of the Stade de France will open at 5:30 p.m., ahead of a prologue scheduled for 6:30 p.m.. The vigil will officially kick off at 7:30 p.m..

The musical lineup is also taking shape. A number of artists have been announced for the evening, including Natasha St-Pier, Grégory Turpin, Monroe, and Anisha Jo, the 2022 winner of Star Academy.

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How to attend the vigil at the Stade de France?

Attendance at the vigil is free, but registration is mandatory to enter the stadium. It is open to young people aged 17 to 35 as of September 25, 2026. An identity document may be requested when entering the Stade de France.

And apparently speed was of the essence: the slots opened for individual registrations are now all booked. That said, there’s still a chance for anyone hoping to join the vigil. An official waiting list has been set up, and organizers say additional spots will be released in the coming days.

However, youths who are already taking part with a group do not need to register individually. Organizers advise contacting the group's leader directly to confirm participation.

One of the key moments of the pope's visit to Paris

This large vigil will kick off a particularly packed schedule for Pope Leo XIV in Paris. The Holy Father is notably expected on the same day at Notre-Dame Cathedral, before heading to Saint-Denis for this youth gathering. The following day, Saturday, September 26, a major Mass is set to be celebrated at Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Élysées.

With more than 80,000 participants expected at the Stade de France, the evening is shaping up to be one of the marquee events of the pope’s visit to France.

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