Pope Leo XIV meets abuse survivors and condemns euthanasia in France

During an apostolic journey to France, Pope Leo XIV addressed two critical issues during his visit to Lourdes and Metz. In Lourdes, the Pope held a private, two-hour meeting with seven survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The group, consisting of four men and three women, shared personal testimonies regarding institutional failures. One survivor, Jean-Marie Delbos, described being deeply moved by the encounter after decades of lost faith.

In the same location, the Pope issued a firm condemnation of euthanasia, specifically addressing recent legislation in France that allows for assisted dying under certain conditions. He stated, “What is legal is not necessarily moral,” and argued that the vocation of medicine is to care for the suffering rather than eliminate them. He called for increased investment in palliative care and medical research.

The Pope concluded his visit in Metz, where he participated in a meeting titled “At the roots of Europe for peace and unity.” The event was attended by various European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, to honor the legacy of Robert Schuman and discuss European unity.