Pope Leo Emphasizes Determination by Meeting Abuse Survivors in France
Reiterating the Catholic Church's commitment to preventing child abuse, Pope Leo met with survivors during his visit to Lourdes and stated that the church must confront its past.
During his three-city weekend visit to France, Pope Leo held a private meeting with French abuse survivors in Lourdes and called on the church to confront the mistakes of its past.
Private Meeting with Survivors
Pope Leo held a two-hour private meeting with seven abuse survivors during his visit to France. Listening to the painful testimonies of the survivors at the meeting, the Pope reiterated his determination to prevent similar harms from recurring.
The Church Must Confront Its Past
Speaking at a mass attended by approximately 150,000 people gathered near the Catholic shrine in Lourdes, Pope Leo emphasized that the church must show the courage to confront its past.
Behind-Closed-Doors Meeting with Bishops
In addition to meeting with survivors, the Pope also met with French bishops behind closed doors. Thanking the bishops for taking bold measures against scandals, the Pope requested that oversight be maintained.