At sacred Lourdes, Pope Leo confronts a new reminder of the church’s sins

Written and edited by the WorldPing NewsdeskPublished Updated Original reporting: Washington Post

What happened

Mosaics by Marko Rupnik, a Slovenian priest-artist, were covered up after at least 20 women accused him of sexual and psychological abuse.

Key facts

  • Mosaics by Marko Rupnik, a Slovenian priest-artist, were covered up after at least 20 women accused him of sexual and psychological abuse.
  • Reported by Washington Post and published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:27:52 UTC.

Why it matters

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  • Official statements or denials from the governments named
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  • Any follow-up decision, vote or deadline tied to the event

Coverage timeline

When each newsroom published on this story, oldest first — all times UTC.

  1. At sacred Lourdes, Pope Leo confronts a new reminder of the church’s sins

  2. Pope brings message to protect life to French shrine at Lourdes known for miraculous cures

  3. Pope Leo visits Lourdes pilgrimage site

  4. Pope Leo continues his visit to France in Lourdes

  5. 'Scourge' of abuse must be rooted out, says Pope, during Lourdes visit

Sources

The original report was published by Washington Post. WorldPing does not claim that reporting — this page summarises and contextualises it.

Read the full report at Washington Post

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Pope Leo continues his visit to France in Lourdes

Pope Leo XIV continued his visit to France in Lourdes, at the major Catholic pilgrimage site in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where he celebrated mass before around 150,000 people.

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Pope Leo visits Lourdes pilgrimage site

After leaving Paris, Pope Leo XIV ended his second day in France in Lourdes, where he prayed at the Grotto of Massabielle, one of the Catholic Church’s major pilgrimage sites. He is the third pope to visit Lourdes, following Benedict XVI and John Paul II.

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