Pope Leo Confronts Church’s Past Harm at Lourdes, Before Meeting French Abuse Survivors

Pope Leo, during a significant gathering at the French pilgrimage site of Lourdes, addressed the Catholic Church’s responsibility to confront its past actions that caused harm. Speaking to an estimated 150,000 people on September 27, the Pope emphasized the need for the Church to acknowledge its “deep wounds, infidelities and painful errors.” This message came hours before he met privately with seven French survivors of clergy abuse.

In a separate, closed meeting with French bishops earlier that day, Pope Leo addressed the issue of abuse committed against minors by clergy members. He acknowledged the painful nature of these abuses and commended the bishops for measures already taken, urging them to enhance safeguards and maintain vigilant oversight.

This call for accountability aligns with previous apologies from Pope Leo, including remarks made during a visit to Spain in June, where he encouraged bishops to listen to survivors and provide reparations. However, some survivors remain skeptical about the potential for immediate change. Michèle Le Reun-Gaigné, co-president of a survivors’ association in western France, expressed doubts about the Pope’s ability to swiftly resolve the issue, noting that progress is often slow.

The backdrop of these events included a notable connection to the abuse crisis. The Lourdes shrine, which features mosaics by Rev. Marko Rupnik—a Vatican-linked artist accused of sexual abuse by over 20 women—had its mosaics covered with muted yellow tarps during the Pope’s visit. This action followed the publication of an open letter by five of Rupnik’s alleged victims, criticizing the Vatican’s ongoing trial of the cleric.

In reflecting on these events, the Church is reminded of the biblical call for justice and accountability, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. This moment serves as a call to action for the Church to pursue healing and justice for those affected by past wrongs.

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