Pope Leo pledges action on clergy abuse after meeting French survivors

Pope Leo XIV met with seven abuse survivors in France, reaffirming his commitment to addressing clergy abuse during a three-city weekend visit. The Vatican detailed that the pontiff listened to proposals from the victims, who expressed hope that his words would be followed by action. Pope Leo emphasized the Church's obligation to confront its past, stating that infidelities and painful errors must be humbly acknowledged before seeking healing.

The survivors attended a Mass where Leo urged the Church to have the courage to face its failings, drawing large crowds in Paris and Lourdes. The pope also met with French bishops and urged them to bolster safeguarding efforts, maintaining vigilance. Survivors criticized the ongoing Vatican trial of accused cleric Rev. Marko Rupnik, whose mosaics at the Lourdes shrine were covered during the pope's visit.