Pope Léon XIV Urges French Bishops to Continue Combating Sexual Abuse in the Church

Pope Léon XIV met privately with French bishops in Lourdes on September 27, 2026, to emphasize the Church's ongoing fight against sexual abuse and pedocriminality within its ranks. During this closed-door meeting, he encouraged the bishops to "continue" their efforts, describing pedocriminality as a "painful scourge" that the Church must relentlessly address. This meeting underscores the Pope's sustained commitment to confronting the deep wounds inflicted by sexual violence in the Church.

While the Pope's direct message focused on persistence in combating these abuses, the meeting also featured Daniel Duigou, a priest from the Diocese of Paris who also works as a journalist, lending perspective on the Church's ongoing challenges and media coverage.

This visit to Lourdes, a symbolic religious site, reiterates the importance placed by Pope Léon XIV on transparency and decisive action. His call aims to galvanize Church leaders amidst a backdrop of past scandals, reinforcing the imperative to protect vulnerable individuals and restore trust in the institution.

The Pope's strong language and direct appeal to the French bishops highlight that tackling sexual abuse remains a priority issue for the Church as it continues its healing and reform processes.