Pope Leo XIV meets 7 abuse survivors in Lourdes

Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven survivors of sexual abuse connected to the Catholic Church in France during a visit to Lourdes on Sunday, September 27. The group, consisting of four men and three women selected by French bishops, spoke with the Pope both individually and as a group. Although the meeting was scheduled for one hour, it lasted nearly two hours, allowing participants to share their experiences and present proposals for change.

Five of the seven survivors told international media that the Pope listened attentively and showed empathy. They noted that he demonstrated a thorough understanding of their personal stories and the systemic nature of abuse within Church organizations. One survivor reported that the Pope appeared aware of the work still required to address these issues.

During a press conference on his return flight to Rome, Pope Leo XIV stated that the Church has a particular responsibility to accompany survivors and help them find healing. He described sexual abuse as a human problem that takes on a different dimension within the Church because it deeply wounds or destroys a person's life of faith. The Pope asked the survivors to convey to others that the Church is personally and institutionally available to listen and support them on their path to recovery.