Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes Opposes Assisted Dying, Meets Abuse Survivors
Pope Leo XIV condemned medically assisted dying during his Lourdes visit while meeting seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse and hearing their concerns about accountability.
Pope Leo XIV spoke against medically assisted dying during his visit to Lourdes in France on Sunday, calling it a form of “false compassion” and arguing that legal permission does not automatically make an act morally acceptable.
Speaking during Mass attended by around 150,000 people, including many sick and disabled pilgrims, the Pope said human dignity remains inherent even for people experiencing severe illness or pain. He urged society to protect vulnerable people rather than treating death as a solution to suffering.
The comments came as France debates legislation allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. Leo has also criticised assisted-dying legislation in the United States, including a law that came into effect in Illinois earlier this month.
Later, the Pope met seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse at the Lourdes sanctuary. The Vatican said the nearly two-hour meeting involved both group and individual conversations, with Leo listening to accounts of abuse, suffering and failures by people who could have intervened.
Survivors described the meeting as emotional and said the Pope appeared familiar with their cases. The Vatican said Leo also heard suggestions aimed at preventing future abuse.
The meeting comes after a major reckoning within the French Catholic Church. A 2021 independent report estimated that about 330,000 children had experienced abuse over seven decades involving priests and church workers. The French bishops subsequently established an independent compensation system for victims.
Leo also addressed French bishops, encouraging continued support for survivors and acknowledging the impact the abuse crisis has had on trust in the priesthood.
His Lourdes visit also brought him past the basilica facade featuring mosaics by Marko Rupnik, a religious artist accused by more than two dozen women of psychological, spiritual and sexual abuse. The mosaics at the site were covered with curtains in 2025 following concerns about their impact on survivors visiting Lourdes.
