Pope to French Bishops: Church bears prophetic authority in public square
Pope Leo XIV met with French bishops in Lourdes to discuss the Church's historical role and cultural presence in France. He encouraged them to maintain courage in addressing past failings and defending religious freedom amidst rising secular challenges. The Pope emphasized that the Church holds a legitimate prophetic authority to speak on moral issues in the public square.
Why it matters
This address highlights the ongoing dialogue between the Catholic Church and European secular states regarding religious liberty and the moral voice of religion in public life.
By Devin Watkins Pope Leo XIV met with the Bishops of France on Sunday in Lourdes, just a short distance from where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Thanking them for placing their ministry under the Virgin Mary’s protection, he said there is “no better way to come to Jesus than through Mary.” Recalling France’s deep historical devotion to Our Lady, Pope Leo said the French people bear a living faith, which the Bishops must help grow and deepen. He encouraged them to show courage and missionary creativity, despite today’s challenges and human errors. [ Photo Embed: The Pope met with bishops privately on the morning of his third day in France] “Always have the courage to acknowledge failings with a love of the truth and a determination to bind up wounds with the charity of the Good Shepherd,” he said.
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