Pope Leo XIV To Meet French Abuse Survivors As Critics Demand Church Action

Pope Leo XIV will meet seven survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other personnel during his four-day visit to France from September 25 to 28, with the private encounter in Lourdes expected to draw scrutiny from campaigners demanding stronger action from the Church.

The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, at Lourdes, one of Catholicism’s most important pilgrimage sites. The seven survivors have stressed that they are attending in their individual capacities and do not claim to represent all victims. They have also said that meeting the Pope does not mean endorsing the Church’s approach or abandoning their demands.

The decision to invite individual survivors rather than representatives of established victims’ organisations has itself attracted criticism. Charles Mercier, a professor of the sociology and history of Catholicism, said the central concern was that the participants were selected by bishops and Church institutions rather than by survivors themselves.

Alain Esquerre, spokesperson for survivors of abuse at Notre-Dame de Bétharram school, said words of compassion were no longer enough and called for concrete measures to prevent abuse and provide justice. Campaigners have also demanded greater access to Church archives and stronger accountability in individual cases.

France has been deeply affected by the Church’s abuse crisis. A landmark 2021 independent report estimated that around 330,000 children were sexually abused in Catholic institutions over seven decades. Survivors meeting Leo include people abused in schools, parishes and religious congregations. One participant was abused by priest Bernard Preynat, who was sentenced to five years in prison in 2020 after acknowledging abuse of at least 75 boys.

The Church has introduced an independent compensation mechanism for victims, but another issue is now emerging. The Independent National Body for Recognition and Reparation, which has offered compensation of up to 60,000 euros, is due to cease operations on October 1. Reuters reported that survivors are concerned about relying on individual dioceses after that date, particularly over questions of independence and oversight.

The Lourdes meeting will also take place against the backdrop of the Marko Rupnik case. The basilica’s large mosaics created by the former Jesuit priest, who has been accused by more than 20 women of psychological, spiritual and sexual abuse, have now been completely covered ahead of Leo’s visit. Church officials said the coverings will remain in place as a longer-term measure while a permanent solution is considered.

Leo previously met six abuse survivors during his June visit to Madrid and said he would consider their suggestions for improving the Church’s response. In France, however, campaigners are seeking evidence that such meetings will lead to systemic reforms, rather than remaining limited to listening and compensation.

The Pope’s France visit will also include meetings with President Emmanuel Macron, a visit to UNESCO, prayers at Notre-Dame and a major Mass in Paris before he travels to Lourdes and Metz.