France prepares for Pope Leo XIV visit and Holy Tunic display

France is preparing for a major religious and social event during the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled from September 25 to 28. The visit has triggered unprecedented mobilization, with hundreds of thousands of people registering for events. Tickets for the youth vigil at the Stade de France, which holds 80,000 people, sold out in less than an hour. Authorities estimate that up to 500,000 people could gather at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées, while over 400,000 faithful have registered for the papal mass in Paris.

In Lourdes, registration for participants reached its 150,000 limit a month earlier than expected. The surge in demand has led to full hotel occupancy in Paris, Metz, and Lourdes. Additionally, the Archdiocese of Paris has reported significant financial support through a massive donation campaign.

A historic highlight of the visit will be the public appearance of the Holy Tunic of Christ. Held in Argenteuil for over 1,200 years, the relic is typically kept hidden and only displayed rarely. For the first time, the tunic will be presented during the prayer vigil at the Stade de France, making Pope Leo XIV the first pope to view the relic in person.