Pope Leo urges action against abuse during Lourdes visit: What to know

Pope Leo has reportedly called for an end to the scourge of sexual abuse during his visit to Lourdes urging greater efforts to protect people and address abuse within the Church ahead of a meeting with abuse survivors.

The Pope briefed the bishops in an executive session at the Sanctuary of Our Holy Lady of Lourdes-a holy site in southern France on the third day of his four-day official visit to France.

The Pope said Mass in front of a massive congregation in Lourdes before he was set to convene with survivors of abuse in a private session later.

Meanwhile, before giving Mass the Pope told the bishops, “ You have faced with determination the painful scourge of abuse of minors committed by members of the clergy or within an ecclesial context.”

“It is important to persevere along the path you have begun, maintaining the greatest vigilance.”

The gathering of senior church leaders was kept secret behind closed doors and the statements were later released to reporters. This Lourdes gathering came a day after an estimated 700,000 people gathered at the Place de la Concorde in Paris to hear the pontiff speak.

In a Saturday Mass in Paris, the Pope told worshippers that Catholics should not keep their faith to themselves but let it overflow so that those they meet may be refreshed.

On Sunday, the Pope will meet staff and residents at the health facility in Lourdes before the torchlight parade in the evening.

This marks the Pope’s first official visit to France since being elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.