Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Assisted Dying on Lourdes Visit
Pope Leo XIV spoke against the legalization of medically assisted dying, labeling it as immoral and a form of “false compassion” during his visit to Lourdes, France. The Pope emphasized the importance of the inherent dignity of the individual, urging the crowd to resist actions that cause death under misleading pretenses. His statement received applause from those gathered.
On his visit to France, Pope Leo engaged in the worldwide debate on end-of-life issues. France recently passed legislation permitting adults with terminal conditions to access lethal medication. The Pope’s visit to France, once a Catholic stronghold, has attracted large crowds, including 800,000 people at his Mass in Paris at Place de la Concorde. His messages focus on the Church’s teachings against abortion and assisted dying.
Many attendees at Lourdes were in wheelchairs. Pope Leo visited a care center on the grounds of the shrine, offering encouragement to those enduring severe pain. He reiterated the message that their dignity cannot be compromised by laws or algorithms. Lourdes, associated with miraculous cures, draws millions of pilgrims annually, especially the sick and disabled seeking healing from the grotto’s spring water.
Pope Leo XIV has consistently advocated for the protection of life from conception until natural death, opposing abortion and euthanasia. Lourdes’ history includes 72 recognized miraculous healings. The Pope’s homily emphasized the respect and welcome given to those who are vulnerable at Lourdes.
Lourdes has also become a site of healing for survivors of clergy abuse. Pope Leo planned to meet privately with seven abuse survivors, signaling the Church’s new focus on addressing the crisis. The French Catholic Church has faced scrutiny, with a report in 2021 identifying 330,000 abuse cases over 70 years involving around 3,000 priests and church workers.
Pope Leo commended the French bishops’ efforts in compensating victims, noting the substantial financial payouts recommended by the independent compensation system. Despite criticism of the report, he urged continued support for victims and acknowledged the decline in priestly vocations due to the scandal.
During his Paris arrival, victims expressed frustration with the Church’s handling of abuse allegations. In a letter, they emphasized the need for the Church to relinquish its dual role as judge and party. They criticized the decision for only seven survivors to meet with the Pope, although Monsignor Pierre-Antoine Bozo stated the intent was to facilitate meaningful dialogue.
Additionally, Pope Leo faced reminders of past abuse cases, including accusations against Rev. Marko Rupnik, who is currently on trial for various abuses dating back to the 1990s. His case had been concealed by his Jesuit superiors for decades. Victims criticized the lengthy process for their voices to be heard, calling the silence a form of additional violence.
The Pope’s visit to Lourdes underscored challenges within the Church around maintaining accountability while expressing compassion and understanding for all individuals.