French clergy abuse survivors praise meeting with Pope Leo XIV, say he listened, was informed
Pope Leo XIV met with French clergy abuse survivors during his visit to France, where he expressed gratitude to French bishops for their support and urged them to strengthen aid for young people and abuse survivors. The Pope listened to survivors and acknowledged the Church's past misconduct. This meeting is part of his continued engagement with the Church's reckoning over the clergy abuse crisis.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV met privately with survivors of abuse by clergy in France.
- ✓ The Pope expressed gratitude to French bishops for their role in organizing his recent Apostolic Journey.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV urged the Church to support young people and victims of abuse.
- ✓ The Pope called on the Catholic Church to address its past misconduct during his visit to France.
What changed
Pope Leo XIV's meeting with French clergy abuse survivors marks a significant development in his efforts to address the clergy abuse crisis, as he continues to engage with survivors and urge Church support for victims.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV meets French clergy abuse survivors, vows support
Pope Leo XIV met with French clergy abuse survivors during his visit to France, where he expressed gratitude to French bishops for their support and urged them to strengthen aid for young people and abuse survivors. The Pope listened to survivors and acknowledged the Church's past misconduct. This meeting is part of his continued engagement with the Church's reckoning over the clergy abuse crisis.
Why it matters
The Catholic Church has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of clergy abuse cases worldwide. Pope Leo XIV has been actively engaging with abuse survivors, meeting with them privately to foster accessible paths toward healing. His visit to France and meeting with survivors comes amid ongoing demands for stronger Vatican action against accused or convicted clergy.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV met privately with survivors of abuse by clergy in France.
- The Pope expressed gratitude to French bishops for their role in organizing his recent Apostolic Journey.
- Pope Leo XIV urged the Church to support young people and victims of abuse.
- The Pope called on the Catholic Church to address its past misconduct during his visit to France.
What to watch next
- Pope Leo XIV's upcoming meetings with clergy abuse survivors in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru
- The Vatican's response to ongoing demands for stronger action against accused or convicted clergy in Argentina
- The French Bishops' Conference autumn meeting and potential announcements on support for abuse survivors
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wionews.com — Pope Leo's four-day france visit: Lourdes, prayer and a ...
- choiceflame.com.ng — Pope Leo XIV Thanks French Bishops for Memorable Visit, Urges ...
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- relforcon.org — Pope Leo thanks French Bishops for ‘unforgettable’ visit
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Pope Leo XIV to Meet Latin America Abuse Survivors Privately
Pope Leo XIV will meet privately with clergy sexual abuse victims during his apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to November 17. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the schedule, noting the American pontiff plans to hold individual meetings rather than group gatherings to stand alongside survivors and foster accessible paths toward healing. This outreach follows recent encounters with French survivors and addresses ongoing demands from survivors in Argentina for stronger Vatican action against accused or convicted clergy.
Why it matters
The upcoming Latin American tour places clerical accountability and survivor outreach at the center of the papal itinerary. Victims from the Sodalicio requested an audience just days before the Vatican finalized the private meetings. The Pope is maintaining this schedule while recovering from recent lung cancer surgery.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV will meet privately with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his November 6-17 apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
- The Holy See announced the meetings following a request for an audience from Sodalicio victims.
- Pope Leo XIV wrote a letter to the Bishops of France expressing appreciation for his apostolic journey and urging the Church to support young people.
Still unconfirmed
- Survivors in Argentina are demanding stronger action from the Vatican against clergy and lay members accused or convicted of sexual abuse and other crimes.
What to watch next
- The execution and outcomes of the private meetings with abuse survivors during the November 6-17 Latin America tour
- Official Vatican statements regarding policy changes following the meetings in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- nwcatholic.org — Pope Leo to meet with abuse victims during Latin America ...
- infovaticana.com — The Pope will meet with abuse victims during his trip to ...
- catholicweekly.com.au — Pope Leo to meet with abuse victims during Latin America ...
- ewtnvatican.com — Pope Leo XIV to meet with abuse victims during his trip to ...
- nypost.com — Pope Leo XIV visits Argentina amid clergy sexual abuse ...
- www.vaticannews.va — Pope Leo thanks French Bishops for ‘unforgettable’ visit
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- catholicnews.in — Pope Leo XIV Expresses Gratitude to French Bishops and ...
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French Clergy Survivors Praise Pope Leo XIV Meeting
French clergy abuse survivors praised their meeting with Pope Leo XIV, stating that he listened and was informed. The Holy See Press Office previously announced that the American pope will meet with abuse survivors individually rather than in groups during his upcoming 12-day apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The tour runs from November 6 to November 17. The Vatican stated that the Pope aims to stand alongside survivors, develop accessible paths toward healing, and ensure the Church becomes a safe environment. Pope Leo is currently recovering from lung cancer surgery while preparing for the international trip.
Why it matters
Past papal trips have faced intense scrutiny regarding the Catholic Church handling of clerical abuse scandals globally. Individual meetings allow for a more personal encounter between the pontiff and victims. The upcoming Latin America tour tests the Vatican public commitment to reform while the pope manages his health recovery.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV will meet with survivors of clerical sexual abuse individually during his upcoming apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
- The 12-day tour is scheduled from November 6 to November 17.
- The Holy See Press Office stated the Pope wants to develop accessible paths toward healing and ensure the Church is a safe environment.
- Pope Leo is currently recovering from lung cancer surgery.
Still unconfirmed
- French clergy abuse survivors praised a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, stating he listened and was informed.
What to watch next
- Specific dates and locations for the survivor encounters during the three-country trip
- Official Vatican updates on Pope Leo health status ahead of the November 6 departure
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- zenit.org — Pope Leo XIV will meet with survivors of abuse during his ...
- catholics.news — Pope Leo to meet with abuse victims during Latin America ...
- www.catholicsabah.com — Pope Leo XIV to meet abuse survivors in Latin America
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Pope Leo XIV Plans Latin America Abuse Survivor Meetings
Pope Leo XIV will meet with survivors of clerical sexual abuse during his upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the American pope will hold several meetings with victims across Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The 12-day tour is scheduled to run from November 6 to November 17. The Vatican has not yet specified the exact dates or locations for these individual survivor encounters during the three-country trip. Pope Leo is currently recovering from lung cancer surgery as preparations for the international journey continue.
Why it matters
This upcoming tour follows a recent four-day visit to France, where French survivors of clerical child sexual abuse praised a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, stating he listened and was well-informed. During that French visit, the pontiff addressed the Catholic Church's requirement to heal from deep wounds and painful errors. The previous journey also encountered civil unrest, including violent riots in Paris involving student demonstrations, looted stores, and police clashes.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV will meet with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy during his November 6 to 17 three-country tour of South America.
- The Vatican announced the planned meetings on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- The upcoming Apostolic Journey will include visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
- Pope Leo is recovering from lung cancer surgery.
- The Vatican statement indicated that several meetings with abuse victims are planned.
What to watch next
- Specific dates and locations for the survivor meetings during the Latin America tour
- Updates on Pope Leo XIV's health and recovery from lung cancer surgery ahead of the trip
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.vaticannews.va — Pope Leo XIV to meet abuse survivors in Latin America
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Pope Leo to meet survivors of abuse by clergy in Latin ... - CNA
- kelo.com — Pope Leo to meet survivors of abuse by clergy in Latin ...
- www.yahoo.com — Pope Leo to meet survivors of abuse by clergy in Latin ...
- abcnews.com — Pope will meet with survivors of clergy abuse during upcoming ...
- globalnews.ca — Pope to meet with clergy abuse survivors during Latin America ...
- www.chicagotribune.com — Pope Leo will meet with survivors of clergy abuse during upcoming Latin America trip, Vatican says
- www.ewtnnews.com — Pope Leo XIV to meet with abuse victims during his trip to Latin America
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French Abuse Survivors Praise Pope Leo XIV
French survivors of clerical child sexual abuse praised a meeting with Pope Leo XIV during his four-day visit to France, stating that the pontiff listened to them and was well informed. The Pope addressed the Catholic Church's requirement to heal from deep wounds and painful errors during the encounter. This interaction occurred following the pontiff's earlier festive reception in the country, which preceded subsequent violent riots in Paris involving student demonstrations, looted stores, and police clashes.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV visited France for four days, an event initially marked by a large festive reception on the Champs-Elysees before Paris descended into violent riots. Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich lamented the rapid shift from the joyful gatherings to police clashes and looted stores. Meanwhile, a Vatican family meeting concluded inconclusively while the pontiff recovered from surgery.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV met with survivors of clerical child sexual abuse during his four-day visit to France.
- Pope Leo XIV addressed the Catholic Church's need to heal from deep wounds and painful errors during his meetings in France.
What to watch next
- Further statements from French clergy abuse survivors regarding ongoing church reforms
- Vatican announcements on addressing clerical abuse following the papal visit
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.bishop-accountability.org — AbuseTracker – BishopAccountability.org
- www.pillarcatholic.com — The Pillar | Substack
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
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Paris Riots Follow Pope's Visit as Abuse Survivor Praise Stands
Paris descended into violent riots on Saturday, October 17, following weeks of student demonstrations, creating a sharp contrast with Pope Leo XIV's festive four-day visit to France less than a month earlier. Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich lamented the sudden shift from the joyful reception of over a million people on the Champs-Elysees to looted stores and police clashes. Meanwhile, the Vatican family meeting concluded inconclusively while the pontiff recovered from surgery.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, assumed the papacy on May 8, 2025, and previously faced unproven accusations of abuse cover-ups linked to an ultra-right media campaign during the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae scandal in Peru. His recent French tour included a private meeting where French clergy abuse survivors praised his active listening, alongside calls for bishops to report perpetrators to civil authorities.
What is confirmed
- Riots broke out in Paris on Saturday, October 17, following several weeks of student demonstrations.
- Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich lamented the sudden change from the pope's joyful reception to public violence.
- A Vatican family meeting postponed its final report amid Pope Leo XIV's surgery.
Still unconfirmed
- Initial protests in Paris highlighted the deterioration of schools and poor conditions for studying before being joined by workers dissatisfied with the cost of living.
What to watch next
- Pope Leo XIV reviewing the postponed conclusions of the Vatican family meeting following his recovery.
- Further updates from the French Ministry of the Interior regarding the Paris riots and police clashes.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.vaticannews.va — News about the Pope - All the latest news - Vatican News
- www.romereports.com — France, From Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Violent Unrest: How Is ...
- www.bishop-accountability.org — The accusations of abuse cover-up against Pope Leo XIV: A ...
- ewtnvatican.com — Vatican meeting on the family ends inconclusively amid Pope ...
- www.ewtnnews.com — EWTN News
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French Clergy Abuse Survivors Praise Meeting With Pope Leo XIV
French survivors of clergy sexual abuse praised a private two-hour meeting with Pope Leo XIV during his four-day trip to France, stating that the pontiff listened and remained well-informed. The Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, succeeded Pope Francis on May 8, 2025, and holds dual US and Peruvian citizenship. During his French visit, which included an outdoor Paris Mass and a Lourdes pilgrimage, the pope urged the church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors. He also warned bishops to stop abuse and report perpetrators to civil authorities.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV met with seven survivors during his visit to France, marking a significant engagement on the ongoing crisis of clergy abuse within the Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed the commitment to end abuse by priests as the pontiff emphasized the sacred duty of bishops to involve civil authorities in handling perpetrators. This journey represents key pastoral actions by the first pope to hold United States citizenship.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven survivors of clergy abuse during a visit to France.
- Pope Leo XIV called on the Catholic Church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors.
- Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost was elected head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, succeeding Pope Francis.
- Pope Leo XIV holds citizenship in both the United States and Peru.
Still unconfirmed
- Survivors stated that the pontiff listened and remained well-informed during the two-hour session.
What to watch next
- Further institutional actions or directives from Pope Leo XIV regarding bishop accountability for abuse.
- Additional Vatican statements addressing the handling of abuse perpetrators by civil authorities.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- www.dw.com — Pope Leo XIV - dw.com
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Pope Leo XIV Meets French Abuse Survivors in Lourdes
Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse during a four-day visit to France that included a massive outdoor Mass in Paris and a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Survivors praised the two-hour session, stating the pontiff listened and remained well-informed. The Vatican confirmed the commitment to end abuse by Catholic priests. During his trip, Pope Leo XIV urged the church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors. The pontiff also issued a stern warning to bishops regarding their sacred duty to stop sexual abuse and report perpetrators to civil authorities.
Why it matters
The recent meetings in France align with Pope Leo XIV's history of addressing clerical abuse, which includes his past actions as a bishop in Peru regarding the Sodalitium Christiane Vitae movement. Survivors of that abusive Catholic group previously credited him with taking claims seriously, securing financial reparations, and helping trigger a Vatican investigation. The pope's current engagements place renewed pressure on church leadership to break a culture of silence and bring abusers to justice.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV celebrated a huge outdoor Mass in Paris before traveling to Lourdes.
- The pope held a private meeting in Lourdes with seven survivors of sexual abuse by priests and other Catholic personnel.
- Survivors stated that the pontiff listened to them and was well informed.
- Pope Leo XIV warned bishops to stop sexual abuse in their ranks and report them to civil authorities.
What to watch next
- Follow-up statements or actions from French bishops regarding the pope's warnings on reporting abuse to civil authorities.
- Further Vatican policy announcements on clerical child abuse accountability.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.africanews.com — Pope Leo XIV draws 800,000 faithful to Paris before emotional ...
- www.bishop-accountability.org — Pope Leo XIV gives stern warning to bishops on clerical child ...
- radio900.net — ‘He listened to me’: Victims of an abusive Catholic group say ...
- www.d-archive.org — Pope Leo XIV meets French bishops in Lourdes – The Digital ...
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- www.wfmz.com — Pope Leo XIV will meet with the French abuse survivors as ...
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French Clergy Abuse Survivors Praise Meeting with Pope Leo XIV
French clerical child abuse survivors praised a two-hour meeting in Lourdes with Pope Leo XIV, stating that the pontiff listened to them and was well informed. The Vatican confirmed the commitment made during the emotional session to end abuse by Catholic priests. During the same visit, the pope addressed a crowd of 150,000, calling for healing and condemning medically assisted death. Meanwhile, background details indicate France has a population estimated at over 69.1 million in 2026 and an area of 632,702 square kilometers, while the French language continues to be spoken widely across various regions.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV met with survivors during a visit to France, a Western European country with a metropolitan population of over 13 million in Paris. The discussions touch upon ongoing systemic issues within the Catholic Church regarding clerical abuse. The linguistic and geographic background of France provides the setting for these high-profile papal engagements.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV met with seven survivors of clerical child abuse for two hours in Lourdes, France.
- France has a total population estimated at over 69.1 million in 2026.
What to watch next
- Further statements from the Vatican regarding concrete policy changes to address clerical abuse
- Additional responses from French clergy abuse survivor advocacy groups regarding the papal visit
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- en.wikipedia.org — France - Wikipedia
- www.frenchlearner.com — French for Beginners | FrenchLearner
- translate.google.ca — Google Translate
- www.duolingo.com — Learn French with lessons that work - Duolingo
- www.frenchlearner.com — Learn French Online with Free Lessons and Native Audio – Master ...
- www.frenchdictionary.com — FrenchDictionary.com | French Dictionary and Translator
- en.wikipedia.org — French language - Wikipedia
- www.youtube.com — Learn French in 25 Minutes - ALL the Basics You Need
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Pope Leo XIV Pledges Action After Meeting French Survivors
Pope Leo XIV met with seven survivors of clerical child abuse for two hours in Lourdes, France, thanking them for their painful testimony and pledging to end abuse by Catholic priests. The Vatican confirmed the commitment following the emotional session at the French shrine. During the same visit, the pontiff addressed a crowd of 150,000, calling for the healing of deep wounds and condemning the legalization of medically assisted death as immoral false compassion.
Why it matters
The closed-door gathering in Lourdes marks a direct engagement by the pontiff with systemic failures within the Roman Catholic Church. Before the private session, the pope addressed the broader public on church purification and the sanctity of life. The meeting connects ongoing institutional reckonings on child protection with broader Vatican moral teachings.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo met with seven survivors of clerical abuse for two hours in Lourdes, France.
- The Vatican stated that the pope reaffirmed his commitment to ending abuse of children by Catholic priests.
- Pope Leo addressed a crowd of 150,000 people in France.
- The pontiff condemned the legalization of medically assisted death as immoral false compassion during his visit.
What to watch next
- Any follow-up policy directives from the Vatican regarding child protection and clergy abuse
- Reactions from French church officials and abuse advocacy organizations regarding the meeting
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — Pope Leo pledges action on clergy abuse after meeting French survivors
- flipboard.com — Pope pledges action on clergy child abuse in meeting with French survivors
- www.irishtimes.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child sex abuse survivors in France
- vernonmatters.ca — French clergy abuse survivors praise meeting with Pope Leo ...
- www.americamagazine.org — Pope Leo meets with survivors of abuse in Lourdes - America Magazine
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French Clergy Abuse Survivors Praise Pope Leo XIV
French survivors of clerical abuse praised Pope Leo XIV following a private two-hour meeting on Sunday at the shrine in Lourdes. The participants reported that the pontiff listened with unusual depth and acknowledged the systemic nature of abuse within the Catholic Church. Before the closed-door session, the pope stopped to pray at a memorial plaque dedicated to victims of clerical abuse. During his visit to Lourdes, the pontiff also condemned the legalization of medically assisted death as immoral false compassion and reaffirmed Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV addressed the ongoing clerical abuse crisis during his trip to France, balancing pastoral engagements with victims alongside traditional doctrinal statements on the sanctity of life. The Vatican faces continuous pressure from survivors to address systemic failures that allowed abuse to persist globally. Lourdes remains a significant destination for Catholic pilgrims seeking miraculous healings, providing a prominent backdrop for the papal visit.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven French clergy abuse survivors for two hours on Sunday.
- French survivors stated that the pope listened with unusual depth and acknowledged the systemic nature of abuse within the Catholic Church.
- Pope Leo XIV condemned the legalization of medically assisted death as immoral false compassion during his visit to Lourdes.
Still unconfirmed
- The pope prayed at a memorial plaque for victims of clerical abuse before his private meeting with survivors.
What to watch next
- Any further announcements from the Vatican regarding institutional reforms for clerical abuse.
- Official Vatican statements following the meeting between the pope and French survivors.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- toronto.citynews.ca — French clergy abuse survivors praise meeting with Pope Leo ...
- ca.news.yahoo.com — French clergy abuse survivors praise meeting with Pope Leo ...
- aleteia.org — In Lourdes, Leo XIV spent 2 hours with 7 abuse survivors
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French Clergy Abuse Survivors Praise Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV met privately for two hours with seven French clerical abuse survivors during his visit to the shrine at Lourdes. Following the closed-door session, the survivors praised the pontiff for listening deeply, showing extraordinary empathy, and demonstrating a strong grasp of the issues. The pope called the sexual abuse a scourge and urged the church to admit its failings, heal deep wounds, and protect the weakest. Survivors also pressed for action on systemic institutional failures that allowed the crisis to persist.
Why it matters
The papal visit to Lourdes brings renewed focus on the Catholic Church handling of clerical abuse and institutional accountability. Pope Leo XIV called for the scourge of abuse to be rooted out while celebrating Mass at the French shrine known for miraculous cures. This encounter highlights ongoing efforts by survivors to demand structural changes from church leadership.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV held a private two-hour meeting with seven survivors of clerical sexual abuse in Lourdes, France.
- French clergy abuse survivors described the meeting as extraordinary and praised the pope for listening deeply.
- Pope Leo XIV decried the scourge of sexual abuse and urged the church to admit failings and heal deep wounds.
What to watch next
- Any formal church policy changes or structural actions resulting from the pope meeting with French survivors
- Further statements from the Vatican regarding institutional reforms to address systemic abuse failures
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- AP News — Pope urges protection of weakest at French shrine at Lourdes known for miraculous cures
- BBC — 'Scourge' of abuse must be rooted out, says Pope, during Lourdes visit
- The Guardian — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child sexual abuse survivors in France
- dw.com — Pope decries 'scourge' of sexual abuse, holds Mass in Lourdes during France visit
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Pope urges church to admit failings and heal 'deep wounds'
- catholicreview.org — Moved by Pope Leo’s empathy, French abuse survivors urged action on ‘systemic’ failures
- www.hindustantimes.com — French clergy abuse survivors praise meeting with Pope Leo ...
- www.rfi.fr — French church abuse victims praise Pope Leo for ... - RFI
- www.vaticannews.va — Abuse victims in Lourdes: ‘Pope listened deeply, was pained ...
- www.osvnews.com — At Lourdes, Pope Leo XIV holds private meeting with abuse ...
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