Pope Leo XIV made his first visit to Lourdes, a site known for miraculous healing, arriving from Paris on Saturday evening. Lourdes gained fame in 1858 after 14-year-old peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous experienced 18 visions of the Virgin Mary at the Massabielle Grotto. These events eventually led to her sainthood.
The Pope prayed at the Grotto Saturday night. On Sunday, he led an open-air Mass on the Prairie, with a massive gathering expected. Pope Leo planned meetings with bishops, the sick, and support staff, emphasizing healing and purification in light of recent church scandals.
Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis, recently retired from the Lourdes Office of Medical Observation, spoke about his upcoming meeting with Pope Leo. The Pope’s focus includes addressing challenges such as the Church’s role in society and the implications of technologies like artificial intelligence.
The Pope met with individuals whose healing stories the Church has investigated and recognized. Notable cases include Sister Bernadette Moriau, who was cured of a spinal condition, and Antonietta Raco, who overcame a severe neurodegenerative disease.
A young woman, Delizia Cirolli, cured of Ewing’s Sarcoma as a child, was also on the meeting agenda. Dr. de Franciscis highlighted that many healings at Lourdes are spiritual and often not officially recognized. These spiritual cures, while less visible, are more common than physical ones.
The Pope also planned to meet with victims of sexual abuse by clergy, reflecting a commitment to repentance and accountability. Dr. de Franciscis emphasized the transformative experiences of people serving as hospitaliers at Lourdes and their impact on personal and spiritual growth.
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