Pope Leo XIV continues French tour, meets abuse survivors in Lourdes
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lourdes, where he will meet victims of clerical sexual abuse before heading to Metz for an interfaith gathering.
The pontiff spent Sunday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, joining French bishops in the Saint Bernadette auditorium and celebrating Mass on the nearby prairie. He is scheduled to sit with survivors of clerical sexual abuse later that day. On Monday, his itinerary moves to Metz in northeastern France, where he will participate in an interreligious meeting and deliver a speech on European peace and unity before a farewell ceremony at the local airport.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the Vatican's focus on reconciliation with abuse victims and promotes interfaith dialogue in Europe.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 Pope Leon XIV's French tour set for mostly sunny weather across three cities
- Sep 16 Seven victims of sexual abuse by clergy will meet the Pope in Lourdes, reaffirming their demands and refusing further media comments before the audience.
- Sep 25 Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris and began his four‑day visit with a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
- Sep 25 The Pope arrived at the Stade de France where a large gathering of young people greeted him, chanting and cheering as his papamobile circulated the field.
- Sep 26 Pope Leo XIV held an open‑air mass at Place de la Concorde attended by several French political figures, while President Emmanuel Macron was not present.
- Sep 26 A vespers service at Notre‑Dame attended by thousands of clergy was held as part of the papal itinerary.
- Sep 26 Hundreds of thousands gathered for the Mass, with numerous French political figures in attendance.
- Sep 27 The INIRR agency is closing to new submissions as a group of survivors prepares for a papal audience.
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