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If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.Ps 127:1

Vatican Journey to France

Pope Leo XIV meets with French bishops

Catholic IntelligenceUpdated 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV met with members of the French Episcopal Conference at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on September 27, 2026. During the meeting at the Sainte-Bernadette amphitheater, the pope urged bishops to maintain maximum vigilance against the abuse of minors by clergy or within church contexts.

The pope praised the bishops for taking courageous steps to address abuse through listening, seeking truth, justice, forgiveness, and reparation. He encouraged the conference to continue its commitment to a culture of prevention and protection.

Addressing the secular environment in France, Pope Leo XIV called on the bishops to defend the rights of the Church to evangelize, educate, and practice public worship. He noted the country's complicated history regarding the relationship between the Church and the State.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the French Episcopal Conference, welcomed the pope at the sanctuary. Following the meeting and a speech by the pope, the pontiff traveled to the Prairie of the Sanctuary for a Mass.

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How the coverage unfolded

  1. Sep 27, 2:09 AM Holy See Press Office Italiano Viaggio Apostolico di Sua Santità Papa Leone XIV in Francia e Visita alla Sede dell’UNESCO (25 – 28 settembre 2026) – Incontro con i Vescov…
  2. Sep 27, 3:45 AM Agência Ecclesia Português França/Abusos: Papa pede «vigilância» e elogia resposta da Conferência Episcopal, antes de encontro com vítimas

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