Pope Leo XIV to meet victims of sexual violence in the Church in France

Paris – 07/08/2026: During his visit to France at the end of September, Pope Leo XIV intends to meet people who have experienced sexual violence in the environment of the Catholic Church. The Vatican announced this on Friday. The meeting is to be part of the Apostolic Journey from September 25 to 28. The statement initially did not specify an exact location, time, or number of participants.

The Pope’s visit to France had already been officially announced for the period from September 25 to 28, 2026. The program includes, among other things, an appointment at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The now-confirmed meeting with those affected adds an additional, particularly sensitive dimension to the trip. For many people who have experienced violence, the crucial question is whether listening will also lead to concrete consequences.

The scale of abuse cases in France was revealed by the independent CIASE commission in October 2021. Its final report estimated that around 330,000 minors had suffered sexual violence in the Church environment since 1950. This figure includes not only clergy but also laypeople commissioned by the Church. The commission described a system in which turning a blind eye, silence, and inadequate oversight placed an additional burden on those affected for decades.

In June, in response to sexual violence in the Church, Leo XIV had announced further efforts and a more effective response. His planned meeting in France is not a judicial proceeding and cannot replace criminal investigations. However, it draws attention to an experience frequently described by those affected: that recognition, a protected conversation, and the clear naming of institutional responsibility become possible only after many long years.

The French Bishops’ Conference is also working on a new structure for those affected. On September 1, 2026, it is to replace the existing independent body for recognition and reparation. It is intended to provide intake, listening, and support for people who suffered sexualized violence as minors at the hands of diocesan clergy or laypeople commissioned by the Church. The state justice system remains responsible for criminal assessment and prosecution.

The announcement from the Vatican has so far provided no information on which victim representatives will be involved or whether specific demands will be discussed during the meeting. Nothing has been communicated either about the format of a possible public statement after the meeting. So far, only one thing is certain: during Leo XIV’s visit to France, the perspective of those affected is to be given its own place.