A Church that Accompanies

Pope Leo XIV met with French bishops in Lourdes on Sunday, September 27, to encourage the growth of faith in France. During the meeting, the Pope told the bishops to use missionary creativity and courage to address modern challenges and human errors. He advised them to acknowledge failings with truth and to heal wounds through charity.

The Pope stated that the Church has a right to be heard in the public square due to its historical role in building French society. He urged the bishops to defend the rights of the Church to evangelize, educate, and worship publicly. He noted that the Church must act as a sign of renewal as the world faces rising violence, polarization, and a decline in fraternity.

To renew the mission in France, Pope Leo XIV said the only roadmap is to make Jesus Christ known and loved authentically. He also encouraged the bishops to provide young people with doctrinal clarity regarding the Gospel and to work with them to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful.