Pope Leo addressed sexual abuse within the Catholic Church as a “scourge” during his visit to France, emphasizing humility and respect for life. At the Lourdes shrine, attended by around 150,000 people, he acknowledged the suffering of abuse victims while also cautioning against euthanasia and abortion.
The pope’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the Vatican to confront decades of widespread molestation by clergy in various countries, including France. A 2021 report revealed that approximately 330,000 children were abused by Catholic priests and lay leaders between 1950 and 2020 in France.
Mass at Lourdes Highlights Life’s Sanctity and Healing
The Mass, held at the healing shrine near the Spanish border, saw Pope Leo urging respect for the sick and frail. He described Lourdes as a place where life is deeply valued, calling it “a precious gift from God.” His comments subtly criticized recent French legislation legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide, warning against normalizing causing death, even if lawful.
Addressing the Abuse Crisis and Church Accountability
While the pope did not directly address sexual abuse during the Mass, he stressed the need for humility and admission of mistakes within the Church to foster spiritual growth and healing. On the same day, he met with seven adult survivors of abuse as part of continued Vatican efforts to reckon with past abuses and cover-ups.
Survivor groups expressed skepticism about rapid change, emphasizing slow progress in addressing the crisis. Michele Le Reun-Gaigne, a co-leader of a French survivors’ association, noted the need for patience, indicating reforms are gradual.
Call for Vigilance Among French Bishops
Earlier, Pope Leo met with French bishops to acknowledge their “courageous” efforts against abuse of minors in ecclesiastical contexts. He praised their commitment to truth, justice, forgiveness, and preventive measures, urging them to maintain vigilance in protecting against these crimes.
