Pope Leo XIV to meet sexual abuse victims during France visit

Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church during his scheduled visit to France from September 25 to 28, the Vatican announced on Friday. The meeting is part of the pontiff’s broader agenda to confront the Church’s ongoing abuse scandals.

The Holy See did not release specific details about the venue or the format of the encounter, but the decision follows the pope’s recent pledge to intensify efforts to address the abuse crisis. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for victims to share their experiences directly with the pope and to discuss the Church’s response measures.

The Vatican’s announcement underscores the Church’s continued focus on accountability and healing, signalling a willingness to engage with survivors as it seeks to rebuild trust and implement reforms.