Pope Leo meets seven abuse survivors in Lourdes

Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven French survivors of clerical sexual abuse in Lourdes on Sunday, September 27, hearing their accounts and proposals during an encounter that lasted nearly two hours. The Vatican said he reaffirmed his commitment to preventing future abuse and expressed a desire to work with survivors, though what concrete action may follow remains unclear. The Vatican said Leo first met each survivor individually before speaking with the group. Five survivors spoke with journalists afterward, describing the meeting as emotional and saying the pope had listened attentively. Some expressed hope that the encounter would lead to change. One survivor said personal engagement was not a substitute for action, underscoring the question of whether the meeting will produce further steps. The encounter came during Leo’s visit to France amid continuing efforts by the Catholic Church to address abuse. At a closed-door meeting with French bishops earlier Sunday, he urged them to sustain safeguarding work and remain vigilant.