Pope Leo XIV visits Lourdes as church hides mosaics by accused abuser
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lourdes, where the sanctuary’s entrance and façade have been covered, concealing mosaics created by former Jesuit priest Marko Rupnik, who faces abuse allegations.
The pilgrimage town of Lourdes prepared for Pope Leo XIV’s visit by installing large panels over the doors and parts of the façade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The panels hide extensive mosaics made by Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest now accused of sexual abuse. The Pope’s itinerary includes the site despite the controversy surrounding the artwork. The changes underscore ongoing scrutiny of the Church’s handling of past misconduct.
Why it matters
The visit shows how the Catholic Church balances high-profile pilgrimages with ongoing scrutiny over past abuse cases.
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.
- Sep 27 Security deployment of 15,000 police and 17,000 volunteers and a €27 million budget were detailed for the mass.
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