https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/scourge-of-abuse-must-be-rooted-out-says-pope-during-lourdes-visitContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/scourge-of-abuse-must-be-rooted-out-says-pope-during-lourdes-visithttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/scourge-of-abuse-must-be-rooted-out-says-pope-during-lourdes-visit#u93086Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:26:49 +0000Pope 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 Met