Pope Leo XIV addresses abuse, euthanasia, and politics in Germany

Pope Leo XIV addressed the issues of sexual abuse and euthanasia following a visit to France. During his trip, the pope met with seven survivors of abuse in Lourdes. Following the meeting, one survivor told reporters that while he had previously lost his faith, the encounter changed his view of the pope and the Church.

The pope noted that while sexual abuse is a human problem, it carries an additional dimension when it occurs within the Church because it wounds the lives of faith. He acknowledged that certain organizations within the Church have acted abusively as a system.

The pope also commented on the recent legalization of euthanasia in France. He stated that what is legal is not always moral and noted that many countries in Europe and elsewhere are debating end-of-life issues. He clarified that his comments were intended to defend the Church's teaching on the sanctity of life rather than to engage in politics.