Pope Leo XIV addressed the French Bishops’ Conference at the opening of its Spring Plenary Assembly in Lourdes, calling for action on education, abuse cases and liturgy, according to Vatican News. Cardinal Pietro Parolin signed the message, which marked the start of the four-day gathering. He said Catholic education faces rising public scrutiny and called on Church leaders to safeguard its Christian identity. He stressed that they must defend this mission with determination despite mounting societal pressures.
In response to abuse, the Church has stepped up efforts to address cases involving minors since establishing the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church in 2019. The Holy Father encouraged bishops to listen to victims and ensure long-term prevention, adding that even those guilty of abuse should not be excluded from God’s mercy but should be subject to pastoral reflection.
Regarding liturgy, the Pope expressed concern over divisions linked to the Vetus Ordo, warning that they could create wounds within the Church. He called on bishops to find concrete solutions to promote unity while remaining faithful to the Second Vatican Council.
Despite challenges, signs of hope were highlighted, including a rise in catechumens, with numbers expected to exceed 20,000 by 2026, reflecting renewed spiritual interest across France, according to Vatican News.