French survivors of clergy sexual abuse who met Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes on 27 September said the pontiff showed deep personal empathy and openly acknowledged the church’s systemic failures in addressing abuse.
Five survivors spoke at an invitation-only news conference after the audience. According to the Vatican, Pope Leo met individually and collectively with seven survivors and expressed closeness to all who suffer from abuse.
Survivor Jérôme Guillement said the pope was clear that abusers are individuals but that “institutional failures” allowed abuse to spread and persist. Asked whether Pope Leo recognised the systemic nature of the crisis, Guillement replied, “Absolutely.” Véronique Garnier said the pope listened deeply and understood that France has not moved beyond systemic problems.
Jean-Marie Delbos, 80, who left the Church decades ago after abuse at Notre-Dame de Bétharram, recalled the pope embracing him and listening to his concerns. Delbos said the encounter gave him confidence.
