Pope Leo: ‘Rebirth’ is key to understanding France trip

Pope Leo XIV used his general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday to reflect on his recent four-day pastoral visit to France, describing the trip through the theme of rebirth. He compared the purpose of his journey to the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, noting that the cathedral's recovery from a fire seven years ago symbolizes a process of renewal.

The pope said the restoration of the cathedral showed how the Church, the state, and civil society can work together for the common good. He noted that this cooperation allowed the project to benefit from both professional expertise and the generosity of donors, suggesting that such collaboration should be the standard for political and social institutions.

During the same audience, Pope Leo XIV mentioned a private meeting he held with seven victims of clerical abuse during his trip. He stated that the Church remains committed to listening to survivors and helping them find healing while working to prevent future abuse.