**Pope Leo XIV Urges French Bishops to Combat Sexual Abuse in the Church During Lourdes Visit**
Pope Leo XIV has called for decisive action against the "scourge" of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church during his visit to Lourdes, France. Speaking to a gathering of French bishops at the Sanctuary of Our Holy Lady of Lourdes, the Pope emphasized the need for vigilance and commitment in addressing this critical issue ahead of a scheduled meeting with survivors of abuse.
The Pope's remarks came on the third day of his four-day official visit to France. In a private meeting with bishops, he acknowledged their efforts in confronting the painful legacy of abuse committed by clergy and lay members of the Church. He urged them to "persevere along the path you have begun," stressing the importance of maintaining "the greatest vigilance" to protect minors within the Church.
This call to action follows a 2021 inquiry that revealed approximately 330,000 individuals were abused as children by members of the Church in France over the past 70 years. The Pope's statements reflect a growing awareness and urgency within the Church to address these historical abuses and prevent future occurrences.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo celebrated Mass in front of thousands of worshippers at the Lourdes shrine. His visit to Lourdes is significant not only for its religious importance but also as a platform for addressing the Church's ongoing challenges. Following the Mass, the Pope was set to meet privately with survivors of abuse, marking a crucial step in acknowledging their suffering and the Church's responsibility.
The Pope's visit to France has attracted significant attention, with an estimated 700,000 people gathering in Paris to hear him speak. His journey through the city included a ride down the iconic Champs-Élysées in an open-topped popemobile, where he greeted enthusiastic followers.
In his addresses, Pope Leo has also focused on the vitality of the Church, particularly among the youth. He described young people as "today's Church," praising their enthusiasm and commitment to their faith. He encouraged Catholics to share their beliefs openly, saying, "let it overflow so that those you meet may be refreshed."
Despite the Pope's optimistic messages, the Catholic Church in France faces challenges. The number of regular worshippers has significantly declined, dropping from 35% of the population in 1960 to less than 5% today. Additionally, the number of priests has decreased dramatically, falling from 25,000 in 1990 to fewer than 9,000.
However, there are signs of a resurgence in interest in religious traditions, with adult baptisms more than doubling in recent years. The Church is hopeful that this trend will continue, as it seeks to engage a new generation of believers.
On the final day of his visit, the Pope is scheduled to meet with staff and residents at a health facility in Lourdes, followed by participation in a traditional torchlight procession. This visit marks Pope Leo's first official trip to France since his election as leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
France has a complex relationship with the Catholic Church, characterized by its secular political landscape and deep-rooted Catholic heritage. The Pope's visit serves as a reminder of the Church's historical significance in the country, while also highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability in addressing issues of abuse.
As Pope Leo XIV continues his visit, the focus remains on fostering healing and reconciliation within the Church, as well as revitalizing the faith among its followers in France.