Lourdes covers Rupnik mosaics ahead of Pope Leo XIV visit

Lourdes sanctuary officials covered the mosaics of Father Marko Rupnik at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit on September 26. Sanctuary spokesman David Torchala told OSV News that the coverings will remain in place after the papal visit as a long-term solution rather than a temporary decoration.

The mosaics, which depict the luminous mysteries of the rosary, were fully covered on September 18. The sanctuary is continuing to search for a permanent solution through consultations with Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes and a committee established in 2024. This follows a March 2025 order from Bishop Micas to cover portions of the artwork.

The decision comes during a canonical trial for Father Rupnik, who faces accusations of spiritual and sexual abuse from more than 20 women. The mosaics were commissioned in 2008 to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions at Lourdes. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to arrive in Lourdes on the evening of September 26 and will concelebrate Mass on the meadow facing the grotto on September 27.