Pope Leo XIV Urges Healing of Deep Wounds in France Church 2026

Pope Leo XIV has urged the Catholic Church to heal “deep wounds” and “painful errors” as he continues his four-day visit to France, ahead of a private meeting with survivors of child sexual abuse by French clergy. The pope’s call for healing comes amid ongoing reckoning with abuse scandals that have shaken the church’s credibility in France and beyond.

Pope Leo XIV Addresses Crowd at Lourdes

Addressing an estimated crowd of 150,000 people in a large field near the Catholic shrine of Lourdes on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called on the church to confront its past, though he did not directly reference the sexual abuse scandals that have affected at least 330,000 children over seven decades in France. “In order to heal the deep wounds, infidelities and painful errors that have occurred within [the church], we must humbly place ourselves under the Lord’s purifying gaze,” the first US pope told the pilgrims. Lourdes, one of the most popular Catholic sites and reputed as a place of healing, provided a poignant backdrop for his message.

Meeting with Survivors and Bishops

Later on Sunday, Leo was due to privately meet seven survivors of child sexual abuse by French clergy. Earlier in the day, he met with French bishops and acknowledged their efforts against “the painful scourge of abuse committed against minors by members of the clergy or in an ecclesial context against minors.” He urged them “to continue along the path you have begun, maintaining the greatest vigilance,” according to a Vatican transcript. The pope’s actions signal a continued push for accountability and healing within the church.

Key Takeaways from Pope Leo’s Visit

• Pope Leo XIV called for healing of “deep wounds” and “painful errors” within the Catholic Church.
• He met privately with seven survivors of child sexual abuse by French clergy.
• The pope urged French bishops to maintain vigilance against abuse.
• His visit to Lourdes, a site of healing, underscores the church’s need for reconciliation.

Context of Abuse in the French Catholic Church

The Catholic Church in France has faced widespread revelations of child sexual abuse, with an independent commission reporting in 2021 that approximately 330,000 children were victims over 70 years. The scandal has led to calls for systemic reform and justice for survivors. Pope Leo’s visit and his meetings are seen as steps toward acknowledging the church’s failures and fostering healing.

Significance of Lourdes as a Place of Healing

Lourdes has long been a destination for pilgrims seeking physical and spiritual healing. The choice of this location for such a critical message highlights the church’s desire for renewal and reconciliation. Pope Leo’s presence there, combined with his direct engagement with survivors, may help restore trust among the faithful and signal a commitment to addressing past wrongs.

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