Pope Leo XIV yesterday said his four-day pastoral visit to France was a “great gift” that could be understood through one central image: the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Source: EWTN News.
“It is precisely Notre-Dame, with the tragedy it has endured, that can symbolically shed light on this entire apostolic journey, offering a perspective that I would summarise in one word: rebirth,” the Pope said during his general audience in St Peter’s Square.
Leo recalled that the cathedral, devastated by fire seven years ago and once thought to be mortally wounded, has been rebuilt and is now “more splendid than ever”.
He said its restoration demonstrated what can be achieved through collaboration among the Church, the state, public institutions, and civil society.
“This approach made it possible to make the most of both the generosity of benefactors and the expertise of professionals and skilled workers,” he said.
The Pope added that such cooperation for the common good should become the norm for institutions, political and social forces, and those with civic and economic responsibilities.
The Pope also recalled his private meeting during the trip with seven victims of clerical abuse and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to listening to survivors, accompanying them as they seek healing, and preventing future abuse.
“In this context I met some people who were victims of abuse, and I asked them to help me express to other victims too my own wish, and that of the whole Church, to listen to them and walk alongside them as they seek healing, acknowledging the pain inflicted upon their lives and working to prevent abuse,” he said.
The Pope reflected on the prayer vigil he celebrated with thousands of young people at the Stade de France, describing it as a powerful sign of vitality in the Church.
He also highlighted the remarkable and growing number of young people and adults seeking baptism, calling it a beautiful “surprise” from God and a sign of renewal within the Church.
Recalling his visit to Lourdes, the Pope emphasised the message of hope offered to pilgrims, especially those suffering physically or spiritually. He also strongly defended the dignity of every human life, particularly in situations of profound vulnerability.
“Every human life, in whatever condition, even in the most extreme frailty, retains its inviolable dignity and deserves to be cared for, accompanied, and relieved of suffering with human compassion and with the aid of the means offered by science,” he said.
For that reason, he added, Lourdes represents for the entire world “a sanctuary of the civilisation of love”.
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Pope Leo XIV says ‘rebirth’ is key to understanding France trip (By Victoria Cardiel, EWTN News)
