A historic papal visit is planned as Pope Leo XIV travels to France from September 25 to 28, with major events in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, including open-air Masses, large youth vigils at the Stade de France, and a grotto-centered experience in Lourdes.

In Paris, the program features a Notre-Dame stop, a large youth vigil at the Stade de France, and an outdoor Mass spanning from Place de la Concorde to the Champs-Élysées on September 26, with thousands of registrations already in place.

A coordinated effort across the Loire region has produced 5,000 liturgical stoles woven in Jacquard for the Pope’s visit, crafted by four local companies and distributed to clergy for the Paris, Lourdes, and Metz Masses.

Access to events is largely by subscription or registration, with some parts fully booked and a waiting list in place, raising questions about financing and public enthusiasm.

The 5,000 stoles and related materials are funded by the Roanne region’s weaving businesses and organized by volunteers, with logistics handled by Transports Cognard and packaging donated by Les Cartonnages du Roannais.

The project’s creation was driven by the rarity and significance of publicly displaying the relic, aiming to produce a worthy sacred reliquary on a tight production timetable.

Attendance is free but requires registration to enter the stadiums; on-site access is limited, with some points offering open capacity depending on the day.

A central focus of the visit is meeting seven abuse victims from within the church, with privacy protections in place; the exchanges will be person-to-person rather than institution-to-institution.

Interviews with Father Guy-Emmanuel Cariot highlight the behind-the-scenes urgency and ecclesiastical significance surrounding the reliquary’s creation.

Media partners plan an expanded editorial push across La Croix, Le Pèlerin, and other outlets, delivering news, analyses, testimonies, and educational content about the visit.

Leading organizers emphasize rapid production and broad volunteer involvement, guided by the bishops’ commission for the relic and its display.

Coverage also touches on merchandise and fund-raising items, including shirts, medals, candles, and a rosary to support the trip financially.