Pope Leo XIV criticized the legalization of medically assisted dying, labeling it immoral and an example of ‘false compassion.’ His statements were made during a visit to Lourdes, a Catholic shrine in France known for miraculous cures of the sick. According to Leo, the inalienable dignity of the human person must prompt rejection of causing death under false compassion, garnering applause from the crowd.
Leo’s visit to France, a nation historically Catholic yet secular, has generated significant attention with 800,000 attendees present at his Mass at Place de la Concorde, Paris. His messages consistently oppose abortion and assisted dying. During a Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, many attendees were wheelchair-bound. Leo addressed those in pain, affirming their dignity cannot be diminished by laws or algorithms.
Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims annually, drawn by its famed spring water and recognized visions of the Virgin Mary reported in 1858. Since his arrival in France, Leo has consistently called for renewed respect for life. This aligns with Catholic teaching that life is sacred from conception to natural death, resulting in opposition to abortion, euthanasia, and assisted dying.
In Lourdes, the church has authenticated 72 cures as miraculous. Respecting the frail and vulnerable resonates strongly within this context. Leo emphasized that physical challenges provide a space for respect and acceptance, asserting Lourdes as a place venerating life’s sanctity.
Lourdes has also become a sanctuary for clergy sexual abuse survivors, with Leo scheduled to meet seven survivors, including one abused as an adult. This meeting acknowledges the ongoing abuse crisis in the church. An independent report estimated 330,000 children were abused by church figures over 70 years, prompting compensation exceeding 20 million euros.
Leo commended French bishops for their response to victims and encouraged ongoing efforts. Yet, he acknowledged the scandal’s negative impact on priestly vocations, as suspicion taints perceptions of the priesthood.
Pope Leo XIV said, ‘For priestly vocations to flourish, the priest must be welcomed, accepted, and loved.’
Upon Leo’s Paris arrival, victims wrote an open letter requesting acknowledgment of church accountability. They highlighted concerns over bishops dual roles as spiritual guides and abuse case judges. Meanwhile, only seven victims, selected by the church, would meet Leo.
Monsignor Pierre-Antoine Bozo, spokesperson for the bishops’ conference, explained Leo’s preference for a small group to ensure a more intimate encounter. Listening to victims is imperative, thus a smaller audience facilitates effective response and action.
Leo encountered a challenging abuse case involving Rev. Marko Rupnik in Lourdes. Rupnik, known for his religious mosaics adorning one of the Lourdes basilicas, faces a Vatican trial from accusations of psychological, spiritual, and sexual abuse against women. His case, obscured for decades, has drawn scrutiny toward Pope Francis for alleged protection of Rupnik. A canonical trial was initiated by Francis following media outcry.
Ahead of Leo’s trip, five Rupnik victims praised efforts to cover the mosaics in a letter while criticizing Vatican’s handling of the case. The prolonged silence was perceived as further violence, they wrote.
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