France's Catholic influencers move from social media to real-life gatherings ahead of papal visit

Catholic influencers in France gathered hundreds of young people for an evening of prayer at Paris's Saint-Sulpice church, ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to the country, in an event highlighting how social media has become a tool for religious outreach.

The gathering reflects a broader trend in which young Catholic content creators are using platforms built for online engagement to organize real-world religious events, with organizers describing their goal as converting online followings into lasting, in-person communities of faith.

Rising youth baptisms

The event comes amid what has been described as a rise in youth baptisms in France, a trend that some Church observers link to the growing visibility of young Catholic voices online.

At the same time, Church leaders have voiced caution about the role of influencers within religious life, warning that individual content creators should not come to overshadow the faith they are meant to promote.

The prayer evening at Saint-Sulpice took place as the country prepares for Pope Leo XIV's visit, which is expected to draw significant public attention to Catholic life in France.

Organizers have not detailed specific plans for future events, though the gathering suggests continued efforts to bridge online religious engagement with traditional, in-person worship.