Pope Leo XIV visited the pilgrimage site of Lourdes in southern France during his third day of the country trip. The visit included meetings with seven individuals who were sexually abused as children by priests or teachers at Catholic schools. The Catholic Church in France has been working for years to address past abuse cases, with a commission estimating over 330,000 cases since 1950.
The pope also held a mass on a prairie near the main basilica in Lourdes, attended by an estimated 150,000 people. During the event, he addressed French bishops and emphasized the moral distinction between legality and morality. He called on medical professionals to uphold ethical standards in end-of-life care.
In addition to the mass, the pope met with survivors of sexual abuse, showing support for those affected by past misconduct within the Church. The visit highlights ongoing efforts to address historical abuse and improve transparency within Catholic institutions. The Church continues to work on reconciling with victims and addressing systemic issues.
