Pope Leo XIV urges French bishops to keep utmost vigilance on clergy abuse
During a private meeting in Lourdes, Pope Leo XIV thanked French bishops for their efforts and called for continued maximum vigilance against sexual abuse by clergy.
In a closed-door session in Lourdes, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to French bishops for the difficult work they have undertaken to address sexual abuse within the Church. He highlighted measures like active listening, truth-seeking, justice, forgiveness, and reparations, and stressed the importance of sustaining the utmost vigilance. The Pope also called on the clergy to have the courage to admit mistakes for the sake of truth and to keep working despite setbacks.
He noted the Church’s historic role in French society and its prophetic voice in public debate. In the same visit, the Pope will meet seven victims of abuse, underscoring the need for both healing and encouragement for clergy.
