Pope Leo urges Church to face failings before meeting French abuse survivors
He thanked French bishops for confronting abuse and urged stronger safeguarding as he prepared to meet seven survivors privately.
- On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV met with the French Episcopal Conference in Lourdes, France, asserting the Church possesses a "prophetic authority" and that its voice has "every right to be heard in the public square."
- Acknowledging the "painful scourge of abuse of minors committed by members of the clergy," the Pope commended French bishops for taking "courageous measures" to confront scandals while urging continued vigilance.
- Following these discussions, the Pope is scheduled to meet seven survivors of clergy abuse later on Sunday, as Local Church leaders work to repair standing after a 2021 report detailed 330,000 historical abuse cases.
- On Friday, the Pope reiterated Catholic opposition to assisted dying initiatives, arguing that welcoming sick pilgrims at Lourdes stands opposed to "current trends that seek to redefine the value of human life."
- Urging French Catholics to "reclaim their heritage of faith," Pope Leo emphasized that the Church's voice is needed to promote renewal and hope in society amid polarization and declining fraternity.
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152 Articles
Pope decries 'scourge' of sexual abuse during France visit
French bishops took "courageous" steps when faced with "the painful scourge of abuse of minors," Pope Leo XIV told the high-ranking clerics before his scheduled meeting with survivors at the Catholic shrine of Lourdes.
Pope Leo XIV urged French bishops on Sunday to continue their fight against the problem of sexual abuse by clergy, after the Church faced repeated accusations in recent years.
In Lourdes, Leo XIV called on the French bishops to continue their action against sexual violence in the Church, before meeting with victims. ...
The Pontiff to the French bishops: ahead with listening, truth, justice, reparation and prevention. At Mass in the Prairie of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes present about 150 thousand faithful
The Grotto of Lourdes is considered a place of healing, of miracles. And so it is the first starting point for Pope Leo XIV in the small French town. That, according to hope, could also become a place of forgiveness for the Church. By Anna Giordano.
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