Catholic influencers drive surge in French youth baptisms ahead of Pope Leo XIV visit

Key points

• Pope Leo XIV will visit Paris on September 25-26, including a prayer vigil for ages 17-35 at the Stade de France, which sold out within an hour.
• Adult and teen baptisms in France increased from under 6,000 in 2022 to over 21,000 in 2026, despite a drop in priests from 65,000 in 1960 to 12,000 in 2023.
• Influencer Brother Paul-Adrien has 678k YouTube subscribers and uses memes and modern editing to discuss traditional topics, while Sister Albertine debunks nuns' stereotypes.
• A La Croix investigation found that one in five adults baptized in 2025 credited influencers like Paul-Adrien for their decision to convert.
• The Vatican formally recognized digital missionaries in 2025 by inviting 1,000 influencers to a special event in Rome alongside the Youth Jubilee.

Background

This trend follows a decade of digital expansion for the Catholic Church, which began with blogs in 2007 and accelerated during the 2020-2021 pandemic lockdowns when physical Masses were restricted. The current surge in engagement occurs against a backdrop of declining traditional clergy numbers but rising interest among younger demographics.

Why it matters

The rise of Catholic influencers signals a shift in how religious institutions engage with younger generations, potentially influencing political leanings and cultural norms. As 37% of practicing Catholics voted for far-right candidates in 2024, the traditionalist messaging of these influencers may be reshaping the political landscape in France.

What to watch

Attention will focus on Pope Leo XIV’s September 25-26 visit to Paris and his subsequent stops in Lourdes and Metz, where his engagement with youth may further validate or challenge the influence of digital evangelists.