Pope Leo has urged French bishops to take decisive action against the "scourge" of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic church. During a private meeting at the Sanctuary of Our Holy Lady of Lourdes in southern France, the Pope emphasized the need for vigilance in addressing this issue. This meeting took place on the third day of his four-day official visit to France. The Pope's remarks were made ahead of a meeting with abuse survivors.
A 2021 inquiry revealed that clergy or lay members of the Church had abused approximately 330,000 people as children in France over a period of 70 years. The Pope told the bishops that they had shown determination in facing the painful issue of abuse, but must persevere and maintain the greatest vigilance. The gathering of senior church leaders was held behind closed doors, and the remarks were later released to reporters.
The Pope's visit to Lourdes came a day after an estimated 700,000 people gathered at the Place de la Concorde in Paris to hear him speak. The event was attended by huge crowds who cheered and waved as the Pope rode down the Champs-Élysées Avenue in an open-topped popemobile. On Friday, the Pope also met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss various issues.
During a Mass in Paris, the Pope encouraged worshippers to share their faith with others, saying that Catholics should not keep their faith to themselves but "let it overflow so that those you meet may be refreshed". He also addressed young people, describing them as "today's Church" and praising their enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to Christian communities.
The Catholic Church in France has experienced a significant decline in recent years, with the number of regular worshippers falling from 35% of the population in 1960 to less than 5% today. Additionally, the number of priests has decreased by two-thirds, from 25,000 in 1990 to fewer than 9,000. However, there have been signs of a growing interest in religious tradition, with adult baptisms more than doubling in five years to reach 10,000 in 2025.
The Pope's visit to France marks his first official trip since being chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025. Pope's have regularly visited France, a country with a secular modern political history but deep Catholic roots. Later on Sunday, the Pope will meet staff and residents at a health facility in Lourdes and participate in a torchlight procession in the evening.
The Pope's message to French bishops and his meeting with abuse survivors highlight the Church's efforts to address the issue of sexual abuse. The Pope's visit to France aims to strengthen the Church's connection with its followers and promote a renewed sense of faith and commitment.
Key points
- The Pope urges French bishops to maintain vigilance in addressing sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
- A 2021 inquiry found that clergy or lay members of the Church had abused approximately 330,000 people as children in France over 70 years.
- The Pope's visit to France marks his first official trip since being chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
