The gestures no one expected, the images of a pope bringing France back to life

Pope Leo XIV completed a four-day visit to France, drawing more than one million people to gatherings in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. During the trip, the pope spoke at UNESCO, marking the first time a pontiff has addressed the organization since John Paul II in 1980.

At a vigil for young people held at the Stade de France, approximately 80,000 attendees watched a performance featuring more than 60 saints, including Joan of Arc, the curee of Ars, Saint Bernardete, and Vicent of Paul. The presentation included Louis IX of France wearing a crown of thorns. During his time at Notre Dame, Pope Leo XIV venerated the crown of thorns relic.

The visit included various musical performances by professional and amateur choirs at the different locations, including the site in Lourdes where the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times.