From Vaticannews · · 1m
Pope Leo a 'pilgrim among pilgrims' in Lourdes
Pope Leo ends Lourdes pilgrimage with candlelit procession, urging faith amid trials.
In brief
Pope Leo ends Lourdes pilgrimage with candlelit procession, urging faith amid trials. Pope Leo identifies himself as a 'pilgrim among pilgrims' during his Lourdes visit. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
Pope Leo's Lourdes arrival
Pope Leo XIV began his pilgrimage to Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle the previous day.
“Pope Leo XIV began his pilgrimage to Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle the previous day.”
Candlelit procession
Tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered around Pope Leo under a full moon for a candlelit procession.
“Thousands of candles flickered in the darkness as the Ave Maria rang out beneath a full moon.”
Pilgrim identity
Pope Leo joined the procession as a pilgrim, unlike previous popes who presided from a terrace.
“Unlike his predecessors John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Leo did not preside over the procession from a terrace overlooking the esplanade of the Basilica of the Rosary, but joined it as a pilgrim like everyone else.”
Pilgrimage message
Pope Leo urged the faithful to persevere on their journey, inspired by the Immaculate Conception.
“How moving it is to see the faithful people, from one generation to the next, responding with love and trust to the Virgin Mary's tender invitation.”
Sick people's role
Sick individuals are described as privileged witnesses to faith's transformative power through God and neighbor.
“Sick people, he added, are privileged witnesses to this transformation of existence through faith and through the love of God and neighbor.”
Hope amid trials
Pope Leo emphasized God's hope and the grace to perceive Christ's presence despite life's challenges.
“Despite life's trials, God gives us hope and the grace to perceive the presence of the risen Christ among us.”
Final prayer
Pope Leo invited pilgrims to surrender their intentions to the Virgin Mary for eternal life.
“May this light that we hold tonight never be extinguished in our lives, but may it illuminate the future, opening us from this very day to the promises of eternal life.”
The takeaway
Pope Leo identifies himself as a 'pilgrim among pilgrims' during his Lourdes visit.
