Pope Leo XIV to Meet Abuse Victims Ahead of France Visit

The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo XIV will "meet privately with individuals who have been victims of abuse" during his forthcoming visit to France, according to Le Monde. The pontiff promised the Catholic Church would make "additional efforts" to address the issue, a statement that comes as the Church continues to grapple with the legacy of clerical sexual abuse across Europe.

The announcement was made ahead of the papal visit, though the Vatican did not specify the number of victims or the exact format of the meetings, Le Monde reported. The move is a significant gesture from a pontiff who has made addressing abuse a priority, signalling a willingness to engage directly with survivors rather than merely issuing statements of regret.

For Rome, the Vatican's announcement carries particular resonance. The Holy See, an enclave within the Italian capital, is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Catholic Church, and its pronouncements are closely watched by the Italian state and foreign chancelleries alike. The decision to hold such meetings during a foreign trip reflects a deliberate strategy of public accountability.