Pope Leo visits youth during four-day visit to France

Pope Leo XIV joined a youth vigil at the iconic Stade de France wrapping the first of a four-day visit to the country

that included stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz.

Pope Leo entered the stadium after waving to thousands of people who lined his motorcade route.

During his exchange with two young catholics, the Pope encouraged the youth to show solidarity and be socially engaged.

Leo has an intense four days in France, where the Catholic Church has lost ground in influencing ethical issues

given the strict approach to secularism that is enshrined in the French Constitution.