Apostolische Reise nach Frankreich: Begegnung mit Mitarbeitern des Pilgerdienstes „Accueil Nore-Dame“ und von diesem betreuten Personen im Heiligtum Unserer Lieben Frau von Lourde…

The Pope met with staff and people supported by the Accueil Notre-Dame pilgrimage service at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on September 27, 2026. During the meeting, he addressed those facing physical, psychological, or spiritual suffering.

The Pope noted that for over 150 years, pilgrims have come to Lourdes to entrust their hardships to Jesus through Mary. He described the sanctuary as a place where human fragility becomes a setting for a sacred encounter. He linked the sanctuary's current pastoral theme, based on the Angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary, to the fundamental dignity of every person.

He emphasized that Mary views every individual as a unique person, a truth supported by the testimony of Saint Bernadette during the apparitions at the grotto. The Pope stated that this maternal perspective ensures no one is invisible to God, especially in societies that may overlook the dignity of human life.