Pope Leo, on the third day of his four-day trip to France, referred to sexual abuse as a "plague" during a religious ceremony at the Lourdes shrine. At this event, attended by about 150,000 people, the Pope emphasized the importance of respecting life, especially for the sick and disabled. This shrine is known as a place for spiritual and physical healing, and many victims of sexual abuse have come to this site in recent years to find relief from their pain and suffering.
Pope's Message on Respecting Life
The Pope stated in his remarks: "Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and your hidden tears are not obstacles; they are the very places where you are fully respected and welcomed." He added: "Lourdes is a sacred place that proclaims the beauty and sanctity of life, as life here is welcomed as a precious gift from God." These remarks have been interpreted as an indirect criticism of euthanasia and abortion.
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Meeting with Survivors of Sexual Abuse
During the continuation of his trip, the Pope is set to meet with seven adult survivors of sexual abuse. This meeting is part of the Vatican's efforts to address the widespread abuses that have occurred in the church over the past decades. A report from 2021 indicates that nearly 330,000 children were abused by priests and religious leaders in France between 1950 and 2020.
In his ceremony, the Pope referred to the necessity of humility among church members, stating: "Confessing our mistakes is essential for our spiritual growth." He emphasized that to heal deep wounds and painful errors in the church, we must come under the purifying gaze of the Lord.
However, some survivors expressed skepticism about the impact of this trip on rapid changes in the church. Michel Le Rion-Guen, a leader of a survivors' association in France, said: "Things are moving very slowly, and these changes will not be quick."
The Pope also acknowledged the "courageous" response of French bishops to the abuses against children in the church and appreciated their efforts to achieve truth, justice, and forgiveness. He urged them to continue their path of progress and pay closer attention to issues related to sexual abuse.
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