Pope Leo XIV visited Lourdes, meeting recipients of miracle cures and addressing issues of healing and accountability during his historic trip to the site of reported miraculous events.
Pope Leo XIV made his first visit to Lourdes on Saturday evening, arriving from Paris to engage with the faithful at the renowned site known for its miracle cures. His visit coincides with the anniversary of the 1858 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous, which ultimately led to her canonization as a saint.
Upon his arrival, the pope prayed at the Massabielle Grotto, a significant location for pilgrims seeking healing and spiritual solace. He is scheduled to lead an open-air Mass on Sunday, with expectations of drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees.
In addition to the Mass, Pope Leo plans to meet with bishops, the sick, and support staff at the site. Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis, who recently retired as president of the Lourdes Office of Medical Observation, expressed his anticipation for the pope’s visit. He noted that the pope’s presence symbolizes a commitment to purification and healing, particularly in light of the Church’s recent sexual abuse scandals.
“I think I love him,” Dr. de Franciscis remarked about the pope. “He’s doing very well as pope. He’s addressing the challenges we face.” He referenced the pope’s first encyclical on artificial intelligence, highlighting the potential benefits of technology in today’s world.
Dr. de Franciscis shared insights about the individuals the pope would meet, including those whose miraculous healings have been recognized by the Church. Among them are Sister Bernadette Moriau, who overcame a debilitating spinal condition, and Antonietta Raco, who experienced a remarkable recovery from primary lateral sclerosis in 2009.
Additionally, the pope is set to meet Delizia Cirolli, who was cured of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at the age of seven in the late 1970s. Dr. de Franciscis emphasized that both spiritual and physical healings are prevalent at Lourdes, often resulting in what he describes as minor and major miracles.
In a conversation for his upcoming book, “The Angels Among Us,” Dr. de Franciscis highlighted the role of the hospitaliers, known as the “angels of Lourdes,” who provide care for the sick. He pointed out that many healings associated with visits to Lourdes are spiritual in nature and may go unrecognized.
“Statistically, these so-called spiritual cures are far more numerous than the physical ones we know,” he stated. “People come here thinking they are here to help others, but they often leave transformed themselves.” He noted that many volunteers return to their daily lives feeling rejuvenated and changed by their experiences at Lourdes.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV will also address issues of repentance and accountability by meeting with seven victims of sexual assault committed by clergy within the Church. This aspect of his visit underscores the pope’s commitment to confronting the Church’s past and fostering healing among those affected.
As the pope engages with the faithful and those who have experienced miraculous healings, his visit to Lourdes serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the ongoing journey towards healing within the Church, according to Fox News.