Pope Leo has pledged to take action against clerical abuse during his visit to France, following meetings with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests. The pope, who is currently in the country on a three-city tour, met with seven abuse survivors in Lourdes, where he listened to their proposals for improving the Church’s safeguarding measures.
During the private meetings, Pope Leo took one survivor in his arms, an act the man described as “extraordinary.” The pope emphasized the need for the Church to acknowledge its failings and work to heal the “deep wounds” caused by abuse. This comes after a 2021 report on abuse in the French Catholic Church sparked public outrage.
The pope’s visit includes a speech on a united Europe from a French border town, highlighting his focus on both internal Church reform and broader European unity. His commitment to addressing abuse reflects growing pressure on the Vatican to improve transparency and accountability.
Pope Leo’s remarks follow recent calls for the Church to confront its past, as survivors continue to demand justice and systemic change.
