# Pope Leo hears Lourdes testimonies of service and hope

> Pope Leo XIV meets sick and disabled pilgrims at Lourdes to hear stories of resilience and faith
- Title: Pope Leo hears Lourdes testimonies of service and hope
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV meets sick and disabled pilgrims at Lourdes to hear stories of resilience and faith Serving the vulnerable strengthens community bonds through…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, lourdes, accueil notre-dame, sick pilgrims, disabled pilgrims, marguerite hourt, ambroise pare, vatican news, religion, world, Pope, Leo
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/pope-leo-lourdes-accueil-notre-dame-testimonies-hope.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-27T15:44:26.497+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, lourdes, accueil notre-dame, sick pilgrims, disabled pilgrims, marguerite hourt, ambroise pare, vatican news, religion, world
## Pope meets Lourdes center
Pope Leo XIV visited Accueil Notre-Dame, a facility for sick and disabled pilgrims in Lourdes, France on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

> How can it be that their fragility is the cement of the stones of this building?
## 750,000 pilgrims served
Since 1997, Accueil Notre-Dame has hosted 750,000 sick or disabled people during their Lourdes pilgrimages.
## Doctor's medical philosophy
A Laval doctor shared Ambroise Paré's words: 'I dressed his wound; God healed him' to emphasize humility in care.

> I dressed his wound; God healed him
## Marguerite's journey
Marguerite Hourt, paraplegic since 2016, returned to Lourdes to find faith after a bicycle accident left her disabled.

> I often went to pray at the Grotto, to cry out my despair and my rage
## Serving as grace
Marguerite now works at Lourdes Sanctuary, helping pilgrims access hope despite ongoing challenges from her disability.

> I am proud to now be at the service of welcoming pilgrims
## Key takeaway

Serving the vulnerable strengthens community bonds through shared vulnerability and hope