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

By Thomson Reuters Sep 27, 2026 | 1:31 PM

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)