Pope Leo commits to ending abuse by priests in meeting with French survivors, Vatican says


Pope Leo attends a private meeting with contemplative nuns at a Carmelite monastery in Lourdes, France, on September 27, 2026. MAURIZIO BRAMBATTI/Pool via REUTERS

LOURDES, France, ⁠Sept 27 (Reuters) - Pope ⁠Leo reaffirmed his commitment ‌to ending abuse by priests in the Catholic Church during ​a meeting in Lourdes ⁠with seven ⁠survivors of abuse by French ⁠clergy, ‌the Vatican said on Sunday.

The ⁠pope "thanked them for their painful ​testimony ‌and reaffirmed his commitment ⁠to ensuring ​that the harm they experienced is not ⁠repeated for others," said ​a statement.

Leo is on a whirlwind three-city, four-day visit ⁠to France, where local bishops hope his visit will help repair the ​Church's standing ⁠after a crushing 2021 ​report on abuse ‌of children by ​priests sparked nationwide shock.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee)

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