# Pope Leo XIV urges French bishops to defend Church's prophetic voice

> Pope Leo XIV calls for French bishops to champion the Church's prophetic role amid secular challenges and abuse recovery efforts
- Title: Pope Leo XIV urges French bishops to defend Church's…
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV calls for French bishops to champion the Church's prophetic role amid secular challenges and abuse recovery efforts Church must remain visible…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, france, bishops, prophetic authority, secularism, minor abuse protection, catholic education, religious vocations, monastic communities, church abuse recovery, religion, world
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/pope-leo-xiv-apostolic-journey-france-bishops.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-27T09:09:45.341+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, france, bishops, prophetic authority, secularism, minor abuse protection, catholic education, religious vocations, monastic communities, church abuse recovery, religion, world
## Pope meets French bishops
Pope Leo XIV met French bishops in Lourdes on Sunday, thanking them for placing their ministry under Mary's protection.

> No better way to come to Jesus than through Mary
## Church's prophetic voice
Pope Leo stated the Church has 'every right to be heard in the public square' and possesses 'prophetic authority' despite not always being understood.

> By its nature, it possesses a prophetic authority
## Secularism challenges
France's secular system faces growing tension as the Church works to maintain its role in public life and education.

> The French Church lives under a particular form of secularity
## Abuse recovery focus
Pope Leo praised bishops' 'courageous measures' to address clergy abuse of minors and urged continued vigilance.

> You must continue along the path you have begun
## Vocations decline
Pope Leo noted declining religious vocations and the closure of monastic communities affecting French Catholic life.

> Ancient and renowned monastic communities
## Family support
Pope Leo encouraged bishops to support families in living their faith and helping young people dedicate their lives to Christ.

> To give one's life to following Jesus requires special generosity
## Unity call
Pope Leo urged bishops to maintain unity in charity without ideological division to strengthen their witness.

> This unity is not a flat uniformity
## Key takeaway

Church must remain visible in public life despite secular pressures and ongoing abuse recovery