Pope Leo Pledges Action on Clergy Abuse After Meeting with French Survivors

Pope Leo reaffirmed his commitment to addressing clergy abuse during a meeting with French survivors on September 27, 2026, in Lourdes, France. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope met privately with seven survivors, listening to their testimonies and proposals for improving the Church’s safeguarding measures. Pope Leo expressed gratitude for their painful testimonies and reiterated his dedication to ensuring such harm is not repeated.

The survivors described the meeting as both emotional and touching, noting that they felt genuinely listened to by the pontiff. They were impressed by his compassion and understanding of their individual cases. However, they emphasized the importance of translating words into concrete actions.

Jérôme Guillement, one of the survivors, highlighted that while the Pope acknowledged the significant efforts already made by the Church in France, he also recognized the substantial work that remains. Pope Leo’s visit to France, part of a four-day journey, aims to help mend the Church’s reputation following a 2021 report that revealed the abuse of approximately 330,000 children by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades.

Addressing an estimated 150,000 attendees at a Mass near the Lourdes shrine, Pope Leo emphasized the Church’s need to courageously confront its past. He called for humility and a willingness to face the “deep wounds, infidelities, and painful errors” within the Church, urging for purification under the Lord’s gaze. This message resonated with Véronique Garnier, a survivor, who expressed hope for genuine change and deep listening, beyond mere words.

In a closed-door meeting with French bishops, Pope Leo acknowledged their “courageous measures” in addressing the abuse scandals. The Pope’s engagements in France underscore a commitment to accountability and healing, reflecting the biblical call for justice and care for the vulnerable, as seen in Micah 6:8.

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