Pope Leo urges vigilance over abuse in Church during Lourdes visit
Pope Leo called on French bishops to remain vigilant against child sexual abuse in the Church during a visit to Lourdes.
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Pope Leo urged French bishops to continue confronting sexual abuse of children within the Church during a private meeting at Lourdes on 27 September, the third day of his four-day visit to France. His remarks were released to reporters after the meeting. [1]
He acknowledged steps the bishops had already taken and called on them to persevere, “maintaining the greatest vigilance”. [1]
A 2021 inquiry found that about 330,000 people had been abused as children in France over 70 years by clergy or lay Church members, the BBC reported. [1]
The Pope also celebrated Mass before thousands of worshippers at Lourdes. A private meeting with abuse survivors was scheduled for later. [1]
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