Pope Leo XIV Meets French Bishops in Lourdes, to Hold Private Talks with Abuse Survivors

Pope Leo XIV opened the third day of his visit to France with an early morning meeting with bishops of the French Episcopal Conference in Lourdes.

After the gathering, the pontiff travelled by popemobile to the Prairie of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he is scheduled to celebrate Mass and deliver the Angelus prayer.

The afternoon programme includes a visit to the Accueil Notre-Dame, where the pope will meet staff and sick people, followed by a private meeting with contemplative religious sisters.

Pope Leo XIV is also due to hold a private meeting with seven survivors of sexual abuse committed by priests and other Catholic personnel. The encounter will be closely watched by critics who argue the Church has not done enough to confront the problem. Some survivors' groups have criticised the decision to select individuals rather than representatives of established organisations.

The pope will conclude his stay in Lourdes with the Rosary and a torchlight procession on Sunday evening, one of the sanctuary's signature rites.