Pope Leo XIV urges French bishops to speak boldly in public debate
Meeting the bishops of France at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on September 27, Pope Leo XIV said the Church's voice belongs in public debate and called for continued vigilance on clerical abuse
Pope Leo XIV called on the bishops of France to speak with courage and freedom in the country's public debate, which he said is marked by polarization and a breakdown in social cohesion, during a meeting at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on September 27, 2026. He said the Church's contribution to building the nation is essential and that its presence is fundamental for French society as a whole.
Leo XIV spoke in the "Sainte-Bernadette" hemicycle, an auditorium at the Lourdes shrine. He recalled that France has played a decisive part in the history of evangelization and in shaping awareness of human dignity, and he urged the bishops not to give in to resignation in the face of today's challenges. The Church's voice has "its full place in public debate in France," he said, because it holds "by nature, a prophetic authority." "Do not doubt the need for this voice," he said. He was convinced, he said, that even when the Church's voice is not followed, it is indispensable when the foundations of civilization are at stake.
Continuity in the fight against clerical abuse
The pope also addressed sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy. He acknowledged the work of the French Bishops' Conference to build a culture of prevention and protection, and he urged the bishops to persevere in the search for truth, justice, forgiveness and reparation, maintaining "the utmost vigilance" in that area. "It is necessary to continue along the path already taken," he said, encouraging them not to be discouraged by past mistakes.
Defense of Christian identity in education
On education, Leo XIV defended the "distinctive character" of Catholic schooling, which is under growing pressure in France. Catholic schools should be open to all, he said, but without giving up their Christian identity. "The educational project must be centered on Christ and directed toward the integral development of the person," he said, adding that no student should feel marginalized because of their faith in Jesus.
Faith in families as the key to vocations
The pope also asked the bishops to look to the life of faith within families, which he called key to facing the crises the Church is going through, among them the decline in vocations. "Rise up, then, with hope, and never tire of proclaiming the Gospel," Leo XIV said, encouraging the bishops to act with courage and missionary creativity.
