During his visit to France, Pope Leo XIV addressed French bishops regarding the issue of sexual abuse of minors within the Church, describing their actions as 'courageous.' This statement was made before his meeting with survivors at the Catholic shrine of Lourdes, which was attended by approximately 150,000 people. The shrine, located near the Spanish border, is recognized by Catholics as a site of healing, and many victims of sexual abuse have visited in recent years seeking recovery from their trauma.
On Sunday, the Pope emphasized the importance of respecting life, including the sick and frail, which was interpreted as a critique of euthanasia and abortion. He stated, 'Your crutches, your wheelchairs and your hidden tears are not obstacles; instead, they are the very place where you are fully respected and welcomed.' He described Lourdes as a place that honors the beauty and sanctity of life, which he regards as a precious gift from God.
The Pope further asserted that it is 'impossible to regard causing death as something normal,' and remarked, 'What is legal is not necessarily moral,' likely referencing France's new euthanasia and assisted suicide law that took effect last month. He urged against the temptation to cause death under the guise of false compassion.
Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to meet with seven adult survivors of sexual abuse, part of the Vatican's ongoing efforts to address the widespread abuse of children by clergy. A 2021 report indicated that approximately 330,000 children were abused by Catholic priests and lay leaders in France between 1950 and 2020.
While the Pope did not directly address the abuse issue during his Mass, he called for humility among clergy. He stated, 'The admission of our mistakes is indispensable for our spiritual growth,' and emphasized the need for humility to heal the wounds and errors within the Church.
Some survivors expressed skepticism about the potential for immediate change within the Church. Michele Le Reun-Gaigne, a co-leader of a French survivors' association, commented, 'Things are moving very slowly. It isn't going to happen overnight.' Earlier, the Pope praised the bishops for their response to the abuse crisis, thanking them for their commitment to truth, justice, and prevention of such crimes, urging them to maintain vigilance in their efforts.