'Scourge' of abuse must be rooted out, says Pope, during Lourdes visit
Pope Leo XIV will hold several meetings with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his upcoming apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 through November 17, 2026. The Vatican announced the outreach plan on October 27, 2026. Papal policy dictates that the pope meets individuals rather than groups for these encounters to ensure a more personal interaction. This follows the pontiff's recent four-day pilgrimage to France, where he urged the Catholic Church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors and met privately with seven survivors in Lourdes.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV will hold several meetings with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, 2026.
- ✓ The Vatican announced the Latin America meetings on October 27, 2026.
- ✓ Papal meetings with abuse survivors follow a rule of meeting individuals rather than groups to allow a more personal encounter.
- ✓ During his recent four-day visit to France, Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse and urged the Church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors.
What changed
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will hold private meetings with clerical abuse victims during his upcoming 12-day trip to Latin America.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV Plans More Abuse Survivor Meetings for Latin America
Pope Leo XIV will hold several meetings with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his upcoming apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 through November 17, 2026. The Vatican announced the outreach plan on October 27, 2026. Papal policy dictates that the pope meets individuals rather than groups for these encounters to ensure a more personal interaction. This follows the pontiff's recent four-day pilgrimage to France, where he urged the Catholic Church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors and met privately with seven survivors in Lourdes.
Why it matters
The Vatican confirmed the planned meetings following a request for an audience from Sodalicio victims. This outreach builds on the American pope's previous tour in France, which featured massive crowds in Paris and a private session with abuse survivors. The upcoming 12-day apostolic journey highlights a sustained focus on survivor outreach across international papal travels.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV will hold several meetings with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, 2026.
- The Vatican announced the Latin America meetings on October 27, 2026.
- Papal meetings with abuse survivors follow a rule of meeting individuals rather than groups to allow a more personal encounter.
- During his recent four-day visit to France, Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse and urged the Church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors.
What to watch next
- The execution of the Pope's private meetings with abuse survivors during his November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
- Any specific Vatican statements regarding the Sodalicio victims who requested an audience.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.romereports.com — France, From Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Violent Unrest: How Is ...
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- www.vaticannews.va — Pope Leo XIV to meet abuse survivors in Latin America
- www.ewtnnews.com — Pope Leo XIV to meet with abuse victims during his trip to Latin America
- nwcatholic.org — Pope Leo to meet with abuse victims during Latin America ...
- www.osvnews.com — Pope Leo to meet with abuse victims during Latin America ...
- infovaticana.com — The Pope will meet with abuse victims during his trip to ...
- www.ansa.it — Pope to meet some victims of abuse on South America trip
- www.winnipegfreepress.com — Pope will meet with survivors of clergy abuse during upcoming ...
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- catholicweekly.com.au — Pope Leo to meet with abuse victims during Latin America ...
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Pope Leo XIV calls for healing of abuse wounds during France visit
Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day pilgrimage to France, which included a private meeting with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Lourdes. During the trip, the Pope urged the Catholic Church to heal from "deep wounds" and "painful errors." The visit featured a Mass in Paris attended by 800,000 people and a candlelit rosary procession in Lourdes with 150,000 attendees. Separately, the Vatican reported that the Pope underwent successful surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung.
Why it matters
The meeting with survivors occurred amid criticism from groups who argued the church has not done enough to confront abuse. Some critics specifically questioned the decision to meet selected individuals rather than representatives from established organizations.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV met privately with seven survivors of sexual abuse by priests and other Catholic personnel in Lourdes.
- The Pope called for the Catholic Church to heal from "deep wounds" and "painful errors".
- An outdoor Mass in Paris drew 800,000 faithful.
- A candlelit procession in Lourdes was attended by 150,000 people.
- The Vatican stated Pope Leo had successful surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung.
- The Pope's visit to France lasted four days.
What to watch next
- Response from survivors' organizations regarding the private meeting outcomes
- Further Vatican updates on the Pope's post-surgery recovery
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.africanews.com — Pope Leo XIV draws 800,000 faithful to Paris before emotional ...
- www.africanews.com — Pope joins pilgrims in Lourdes candlelit rosary as 150,000 ...
- www.yahoo.com — Pope admitted to hospital for surgery to remove lump on his lung
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
- www.youtube.com — Leo XIV at Lourdes: defending life and meeting victims of abuse
- rcan.org — Cardinal Tobin: The call to conversion - Archdiocese of Newark
- www.bishop-accountability.org — Pope Leo XIV will meet with the French abuse survivors as ...
- www.americamagazine.org — Colleen Dulle, Author at America Magazine
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Pope Leo XIV Urges End to Abuse
Pope Leo XIV called for the complete eradication of the scourge of clerical sexual abuse during a recent trip to France. The pontiff addressed deep wounds within the Catholic Church while visiting Lourdes, where he held a private meeting with seven survivors. Survivors stated that the pope listened intently and showed deep personal empathy. The papal journey also featured stops at the restored Notre Dame Cathedral, prayers at the Marian shrine, and continuous global appeals for peace.
Why it matters
The papal visit to France places renewed focus on the global Catholic Church's handling of the clerical abuse crisis. Pope Leo XIV met privately with survivors to address painful historical errors and institutional wounds. This journey combines traditional spiritual observances at major Catholic sites with direct engagement regarding ongoing accountability measures.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church to address its deep wounds and painful errors during a trip to France.
- In Lourdes, the pontiff held a private meeting with seven survivors of clerical sexual abuse to discuss their experiences.
- Survivors reported that the pope listened intently and showed deep personal empathy regarding the abuse crisis.
- The papal journey included stops at the restored Notre Dame Cathedral and prayers at the Marian shrine.
What to watch next
- Any additional statements from Pope Leo XIV regarding specific institutional reforms to address clerical abuse.
- Further responses from clerical abuse survivor advocacy groups regarding the private meeting in Lourdes.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- en.wikipedia.org — Scourge - Wikipedia
- dictionary.cambridge.org — SCOURGE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
- www.vocabulary.com — Scourge - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
- www.dictionary.com — SCOURGE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- en.wiktionary.org — scourge - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
- www.definitions.net — What does Scourge mean? - Definitions.net
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Pope Leo XIV Urges Church Healing During France Visit
Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church to address its deep wounds and painful errors during a trip to France. In Lourdes, the pontiff held a private meeting with seven survivors of clerical sexual abuse to discuss their experiences. Survivors reported that the pope listened intently and showed deep personal empathy regarding the abuse crisis. The papal journey also included stops at the restored Notre Dame Cathedral and prayers at the Marian shrine, alongside ongoing calls for global peace through the rosary.
Why it matters
The Catholic Church continues to face intense scrutiny over historic clerical abuse scandals across Europe. High-profile papal visits to sites of trauma and renewal serve as a public test of the Vatican's commitment to accountability and pastoral care for victims. Meetings between the pontiff and survivors are closely monitored by international observers measuring institutional reform against past administrative failures.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV called on the Catholic Church to heal from deep wounds and painful errors during his visit to France.
- The pontiff met privately with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
- The private meeting with survivors in Lourdes took place on Sunday evening, 27 September.
What to watch next
- Further institutional announcements or policy changes from the Vatican regarding clergy abuse accountability.
- Reactions from international survivor advocacy groups to the private meetings in Lourdes.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.bbc.com — BBC Audio | Start the Week | Perfect skin
- rocketnews.com — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child ...
- www.osservatoreromano.va — ‘Pope Listened Deeply, Was Pained by Our Stories’
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Pope Leo XIV Reflects on France Journey and Abuse Survivors
Pope Leo XIV stated that his recent journey to France demonstrated that a serene rebirth remains possible following severe tragedy and suffering. During his weekly general audience, the pontiff highlighted stops at the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral, meetings with abuse survivors, and prayers at the Marian shrine in Lourdes. French survivors who met with the pope in Lourdes reported being struck by his deep personal empathy and frank acknowledgment of clerical abuse. The pope also reiterated his appeal for Catholics to pray the rosary throughout October to end wars and achieve peace.
Why it matters
The September 25-28 papal trip spanned Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, addressing secularism, assisting the sick, and the ongoing crisis of clergy abuse within the Church. During the visit, Pope Leo led large public gatherings, including a candlelight rosary procession with 150,000 pilgrims, while calling on French church leaders to eliminate the scourge of abuse. The tour aimed to highlight the potential for renewal through community and faith.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV stated that his journey to France aimed to show that a serene rebirth is possible after tremendous tragedy or terrible suffering.
- French survivors of clergy sexual abuse who met with Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes said they were struck by the pontiff's deep personal empathy and frank acknowledgment of the abuse.
- The pope visited Paris, Lourdes, and Metz during his September 25-28 trip to France.
- Pope Leo led tens of thousands of people in a candlelight rosary procession Sept. 27 at the Marian shrine in Lourdes.
Still unconfirmed
- The mother of a girl with disabilities described Pope Leo XIV's blessing as a message of hope highlighting faith, inclusion, compassion, and dignity.
What to watch next
- Whether the Vatican releases additional policy measures or mandates for French church leaders following the abuse meetings
- Implementation of the pope's call for global recitation of the rosary throughout October to achieve peace
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.ucanews.com — France trip showed miracle of rebirth is possible after ...
- www.usccb.org — Papal trip showed miracle of rebirth out of tragedy is ...
- www.nation.com.pk — Inherited Lessons - The Nation
- www.nation.com.pk — Voice for the Voiceless - The Nation
- www.osvnews.com — Lourdes - OSV News
- www.thebostonpilot.com — Papal trip showed miracle of rebirth out of tragedy is ...
- catholicreview.org — Papal trip showed miracle of rebirth out of tragedy is ...
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Pope Leo Urges French Bishops to Eradicate Abuse at Lourdes
Pope Leo XIV demanded that French church leaders eliminate the "scourge" of clerical sexual abuse during a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Holy Lady of Lourdes. Speaking to bishops during his four-day trip to France, the pontiff urged the greatest vigilance and a commitment to ensuring past evils are not repeated. The papal visit included a private meeting with child sexual abuse survivors, an extraordinary encounter described as a pledge of action. Pope Leo also presided over large public services, criticized assisted dying as false compassion, and prepared to conclude his tour in Metz.
Why it matters
The papal visit takes place against the backdrop of a major 2021 independent inquiry revealing that clergy or lay members of the French Catholic Church abused roughly 330,000 children over a seventy-year period. France has grappled with the massive fallout from these findings, which triggered widespread calls for reparations and structural reform. Pope Leo addressed these deep systemic wounds directly before meeting with survivors at the renowned southern French pilgrimage site.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo called on French bishops to root out the scourge of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic church.
- The Pope urged bishops to maintain the greatest vigilance ahead of a meeting with abuse survivors.
- Pope Leo delivered the message to bishops during a private meeting at the Sanctuary of Our Holy Lady of Lourdes in southern France.
- A 2021 inquiry found that clergy or lay members of the Church had abused about 330,000 people as children in France over 70 years.
- Pope Leo criticized the legalization of assisted dying as immoral false compassion.
What to watch next
- Pope Leo XIV concluding his four-day official visit to France with a mass in the northeastern city of Metz.
- Further announcements or policy implementations regarding church reparations and survivor support in France.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (24)
- 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
- AP News — Thousands of victims, millions in reparations. How France handled mass church sex abuse
- Reuters — Pope Leo urges Church to face failings before meeting French abuse survivors
- South China Morning Post — Pope meets victims of sex abuse, urges ‘wise leaders’ as French election looms
- The Guardian — Pope Leo urges healing of ‘deep wounds’ before meeting child sexual abuse survivors in France
- France 24 — Pope Leo to meet clergy sexual abuse victims in Lourdes
- Yahoo — Pope urges Church to face failings ahead of abuse survivors meeting
- Le Monde.fr — Pope Leo XIV to meet with French survivors of sexual abuse in Lourdes
- CBS News — Pope Leo criticizes legalization of assisted dying as immoral "false compassion"
- dw.com — Pope decries 'scourge' of sexual abuse, holds Mass in Lourdes during France visit
- Vatican News — Pope to abuse victims: I am committed to ensuring this evil is not repeated
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