At Lourdes healing shrine, Pope Leo addresses ‘wounds’ of clerical abuse

Pope Leo XIV addressed the Catholic Church's responsibility for clerical abuse and its need for repentance during a homily at the Lourdes sanctuary in France on Sunday, September 27. Speaking to more than 150,000 people, the pope said the Church must acknowledge its mistakes and painful errors to achieve spiritual growth and healing.

During his visit to the shrine, heavy curtains covered a mosaic façade created by Father Marco Rupnik. Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest and religious artist, is currently undergoing a Vatican trial for the alleged sexual and spiritual abuse of at least five women. Sanctuary officials covered the artwork, which was installed during the shrine's 150th anniversary.

In the same address, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Church's opposition to assisted dying. The pilgrimage site in southwestern France is centered around the Grotto of Massabielle and attracts many people seeking healing for illnesses.