Pope Leo XIV leads candlelight rosary procession in Lourdes

Pope Leo XIV led tens of thousands of pilgrims in a candlelight rosary procession at the Marian shrine of Lourdes on September 27. The procession took place in the square in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where participants prayed the five decades of the glorious mysteries in multiple languages.

The pope walked slowly behind an illuminated statue of the Virgin Mary, holding a large candle in his right hand and a rosary in his left. During the event, pilgrims lifted their candles while singing the Lourdes hymn, Ave Maria. Many pilgrims in wheelchairs participated in the procession.

In his address, the pope described himself as a pilgrim among pilgrims and stated that the gathering was a response to the request made by Our Lady to priests through Saint Bernadette to hold processions. He noted that the light carried by the faithful represents a hope that remains even during life's trials. He also identified the sick as special witnesses to how faith and love can transform existence.

The procession marked the conclusion of the pope's three-day apostolic journey in France. During the event, he encouraged pilgrims to entrust their personal intentions and the intentions of the world to the Virgin Mary.