Pope Leo XIV today asked the French bishops to continue to work on “the utmost vigilance” in the face of the scourge of abuse during a meeting in Lourdes in the framework of their visit to France.
© Lusa
27/09/2026
by
Lusa
“ Nin recent years, you have faced with firmness the painful scourge of child abuse committed by members of the clergy or within the Church. They took courageous steps to combat, through active listening, the search for truth, justice, forgiveness, reparation and a firm commitment to a culture of prevention and protection against these crimes”, said the Pope, according to the EFE agency, in a meeting behind closed doors, whose speech was subsequently released.
The pontiff thanked the bishops for what they have done so far and acknowledged that they “went through very difficult times”.
“It is essential to continue on the path that they have begun, maintaining maximum vigilance,” the Pope said, “that this afternoon he will meet in Lourdes with a group of seven victims.
He added that at the same time the clergy “need support and encouragement”.
In France, approximately 330,000 cases of abuse by clergy members were identified between 1950 and 2020, according to an investigation of 2021, and just under 2,000 victims received compensation for these crimes.
The Pope also asked the bishops to “always have the courage to recognize the flaws for the sake of truth and the determination to heal the wounds”, but to “do not lose heart in the face of errors, inconsistencies or even falls”.
“ Faced with the immense challenges of our time, I urge you, dear brothers, to demonstrate courage, boldness and missionary creativity”, he added, in his address to the prelates.
In another passage, he said that the Church “has been a witness, and has even contributed, to the slow construction” of the French nation, remaining a “fundamental part of Gaul culture”.
“The voice of the Church occupies its place in the public debate in France; by its very nature it has a prophetic authority,” Leo XIV said.
He stressed that “although it is not always heard, it is expected. Although it is not followed, especially on essential issues concerning the foundations of civilization, it is necessary.”.
In the face of secularism, the Pope told the bishops not to be discouraged and urged them “to remain vigilant in defending the freedom and rights of the Church to evangelize, educate in true freedom and practice public worship, so that charity may be exercised visibly in the name of Jesus Christ”.