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Pope Leo Addresses Institutional Abuse and End-of-Life Legislation During Visit to Lourdes
Just the facts
During an address to the French episcopate, Pope Leo stated that institutional clerical abuse is a scourge that must be systematically eliminated from Catholic organizations. He also addressed international debates on assisted dying, describing measures that legalize euthanasia as contrary to authentic medical and spiritual compassion. The pilgrimage site of Lourdes has historically drawn millions of Catholic visitors annually due to its associations with physical and spiritual healing. The pontiff's remarks occurred amid ongoing legislative discussions in France regarding proposed end-of-life care reforms.
Why this is news
Pope Leo traveled to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southwestern France during an official multi-day apostolic journey. The papal address was delivered before assembled French bishops and thousands of international pilgrims.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.