Story perspectives

Pope Leo XIV to meet abuse survivors in France

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 2:06 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pope Leo XIV France

Pope Leo XIV begins a four-day state visit to France on September 25, 2026.
He meets President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
He delivers a UNESCO speech on artificial intelligence, youth and peace.
He visits Maison Bakhita migrant-integration center, highlighting immigration concerns.
He meets privately with seven clerical-abuse survivors in Lourdes.

Summary

Hostachy Builds Reliquary

The Holy Tunic, believed to be Christ’s seamless robe, will be venerated at Stade de France.
Over 80,000 youths aged 17-35 registered for the vigil featuring the relic.
Carpenter Gabriel Hostachy, 39, built a 12-foot oak-linden reliquary with glass for display.
Tests show the tunic’s blood type matches that of the Shroud of Turin.
Charlemagne obtained the tunic from Empress Irene around 800 and gave it to his daughter Theodrada.

Summary

Rupnik Faces Trial

Five victims of Rev. Marko Rupnik wrote an open letter urging Pope Leo to speed his secret trial.
They say they have received no updates, cannot testify, and claim the process denies them justice.
Rupnik, a Slovenian artist, was expelled from the Jesuits in 2023 after the Vatican found accusations “very highly” credible.
The Vatican set a canonical trial for Rupnik in October 2025, gave few details and denied a July decision.

History

Historical Context

John Paul II’s 2002 statement that no priest may harm youths marked the Vatican’s first public acknowledgment of clerical abuse, building on earlier Jubilee apologies for historic sins. That call for openness underpins the Vatican’s 2026 French trip, where officials meet President Emmanuel Macron and venerate Charlemagne’s Holy Tunic, linking relic reverence with renewed accountability.

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Pope Leo XIV France

Pope Leo XIV begins a four-day state visit to France on September 25, 2026.
He meets President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
He delivers a UNESCO speech on artificial intelligence, youth and peace.
He visits Maison Bakhita migrant-integration center, highlighting immigration concerns.
He meets privately with seven clerical-abuse survivors in Lourdes.

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