Pope to abuse victims: I am committed to ensuring this evil is not repeated
Pope Leo XIV met with seven survivors of clergy abuse in Lourdes to listen to their testimonies and express his commitment to preventing future abuse. The meeting, held at a bishop's residence, included private sessions and a collective prayer to address the trauma caused by the church.
Why it matters
This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts of the Catholic Church to address systemic sexual abuse scandals and provide accountability to victims.
By Salvatore Cernuzio – Lourdes On Sunday evening, Pope Leo XIV met in Lourdes with four men and three women who suffered abuse by members of the clergy. The seven victims endured abuse in parishes, boarding schools, congregations, or ecclesial movements. Their different stories and life journeys first intersected on September 14, when they met to get to know one another and discuss the experiences, expectations, and requests they would share with the Pope. The meeting took place at the bishop’s residence, a short walk from the Marian Shine of Our Lady of Lourdes, and lasted two hours, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Among those present was Bishop Gérard Le Stang of Amiens, president of the Council for the Prevention of and Fight against Paedophilia within the French Bishops’ Conference. Ensuring this evil is not repeated The Holy See Press Office released several details of the encounter.
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