Pope Leo XIV Spends Two Hours with Seven Abuse Victims in France: How the Meeting Unfolded

The Pope met with each person individually and in private, listening to their stories and the pain and suffering they endured — at times, regrettably, with the complicity or silence of those who could have helped them — as well as their proposals to ensure this does not happen again.

(ZENIT News / Lourdes, 09.27.2026).- On Sunday afternoon, September 27, shortly after 5:30 p.m., Pope Leo XIV met at the Episcpal House in Lourdes with seven people — four men and four women — who were victims of abuse by members of the clergy and the Church in France. They were accompanied by Bishop Gérard Le Stang of Amiens, President of the Council for the Prevention and Fight Against Pedophilia of the French Episcopal Conference.

The Pontiff met with each person individually and in private, listening to their stories and the pain and suffering they endured — at times, regrettably, with the complicity or silence of those who could have helped them — as well as their proposals to ensure this does not happen again. He spent a few moments in prayer with some of them.

Afterward, shortly after 7:00 p.m., the Pope met with everyone in a room at the Episcopal House and addressed them briefly, thanking them for their painful testimony and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the evil they suffered never happens again.

Pope Leo expressed his closeness to them and, through them, to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer the wounds of abuse. Finally, expressing the hope that they might work together to make the community of the faithful a place where men and women of all ages can find comfort and healing, the Holy Father asked those present to pray for him and imparted his blessing. The meeting concluded at approximately 7:30 p.m.