Pilgrims at the Pope’s outdoor Mass on Aug. 15 had left only 200,000 euros ($242,000) in contributions.
Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes appealed to the faithful for funds and declared he had no doubt they would pay the bill.
«Today, the deficit is covered. What a relief,» the shrine said in a statement, adding that thousands of people had sent in checks with an average contribution of 80 euros ($97).
