Pope Léon XIV Meets Sexual Abuse Victims in Lourdes Amid Church Scandal

On September 27, 2026, Pope Léon XIV visited Lourdes, where he held a private meeting with seven victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. This encounter reflects the Church's ongoing engagement with the grave issue of sexual violence, which continues to deeply affect the faithful and the institution alike.

Lourdes, a town transformed for the papal visit with Vatican colors and bustling with an expected 200,000 pilgrims, hosted a series of events including a meeting with French bishops and a large outdoor mass. The Pope’s meeting with victims came alongside other significant moments of his visit, such as an encounter with the sick and disabled faithful and a meeting with nuns. However, the format of the meeting with abuse survivors drew criticism due to its secrecy and the absence of representatives from victim collectives, who termed it a "masquerade" lacking proper consultation.

The Pope has previously condemned sexual abuse as a “scourge,” urging for "truth, justice, and reparation" during his June visit to Spain. In France, the issue remains particularly sensitive, with French bishops having recognized the systemic nature of abuse in the Church. A controversial 2021 report estimated that since 1950, approximately 330,000 minors have been victims of sexual abuse within the Church’s ranks. Among those present at the papal meeting was a survivor from the Notre-Dame de Bétharram religious institution.

Symbolizing the Church’s struggle with this dark chapter, the basilica at Lourdes has completely covered its mosaics created by Marko Rupnik, a Slovenian priest also accused of sexual abuse. Advocacy groups remain concerned about a perceived retreat by the Church in fully acknowledging and addressing the abuses.

Pope Léon XIV’s visit to Lourdes, filled with symbolic gestures and delicate interactions, underscores the continuing pain and challenges the Catholic Church in France faces regarding sexual violence. The private meeting, though highly anticipated, has highlighted tensions between the Church’s efforts and victim groups seeking transparency and acknowledgement.