Pope Leo XIV has urged the Catholic Church to confront and heal the “deep wounds” and “painful errors” related to its past abuses during his four-day visit to France. Speaking near the Catholic shrine of Lourdes last Sunday, the pope emphasized the need for reconciliation and accountability, though he did not directly address the extensive child sexual abuse scandals that have come to light in the country.

The French Catholic Church has been grappling with revelations that at least 330,000 children were sexually abused over a span of seven decades, according to recent estimates. These allegations have sparked nationwide reflection and calls for reform within the church and society.

During the visit, Pope Leo XIV also met with survivors of child sexual abuse, signaling a gesture of solidarity and acknowledgement of their experiences. The meeting is part of a broader effort by the Vatican to address the widespread crisis of clerical abuse and to foster healing among affected communities.

The pope’s presence in France drew significant public attention. On Saturday, approximately 700,000 people gathered along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris to attend an open-air mass, one of the largest religious events held during the visit. The mass symbolized a moment of unity for the French Catholic community amid ongoing challenges.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France reflects the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to confronting the legacy of abuse within the church’s institutions worldwide, even as the church continues to face both criticism and calls for more extensive reforms from survivors and advocacy groups.