Pope Leo visits France, meeting survivors of clergy abuse as he calls for church reforms. The Vatican says 330,000 French children were abused by clergy or lay members over 70 years. The pope told French bishops to 'root out the scourge' of abuse and 'maintain the greatest vigilance' during a private meeting at Lourdes.
The pope met seven survivors of abuse by French clergy, including Jean-Marie Delbos, who said the meeting was 'extraordinary' as Leo listened to their cases. Survivors said the pope understood the 'systemic' nature of abuse and urged continued efforts to reform the Church. The Vatican also said the pope condemned France's assisted dying law as 'false compassion' during his visit to Lourdes.
The pope called on the Church to 'heal deep wounds' and 'painful errors' before meeting survivors, urging the institution to reckon with its past. The visit comes after a 2021 inquiry found widespread abuse in France, with survivors saying the meeting with the pontiff was 'an extraordinary moment' that offered hope for change. The Church faces ongoing challenges in addressing the legacy of abuse and ensuring accountability.