Pope Leo XIV Meets Clergy Abuse Victims in France, Prays for Peace and Human Rights

Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Lourdes, France, with a moment of prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle, a site revered in Catholic tradition for the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1858. This visit is part of a four-day trip to France, marking the first official papal visit in nearly two decades. The pope’s journey underscores the enduring Catholic roots of the secular nation, especially as France approaches a presidential election amid rising political tensions.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV led an open-air mass in Paris, attended by hundreds of thousands of worshippers. He rode through the Champs Elysées in the popemobile, symbolizing a connection with the faithful. In his prayers, he sought divine guidance for France, asking for leaders “eager to serve the common good” and to promote fundamental human rights and peace, echoing the biblical call to justice and mercy found in Micah 6:8.

On Sunday, the pope will engage in a private meeting with seven victims of clerical sex abuse. This meeting follows a 2021 inquiry revealing that approximately 330,000 individuals were abused by clergy or lay members of the Church in France over seven decades. This moment of encounter reflects the Church’s commitment to acknowledging past wrongs and seeking reconciliation, resonating with the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor and seeking justice (Luke 12:48).

Earlier in the day, Pope Leo XIV visited Maison Bakhita, an association supporting refugees, emphasizing the importance of dignity and peaceful coexistence. His message highlighted the “fundamental role of women in building a civilisation of love,” aligning with the biblical exhortation to care for the vulnerable and marginalized (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The pope’s visit to Lourdes, a site of miraculous healings for many, comes at a time when France is navigating complex social and political challenges. As the nation prepares for an election, the pope’s presence and messages underscore a call for unity, peace, and justice, reflecting the Christian values of truth, mercy, and accountability.

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