Pope Leo breaks protocol in Lourdes to visit the sick
Description: At the end of his meeting with the staff and sick pilgrims welcomed at the Accueil Notre-Dame in Lourdes, Pope Leo XIV broke protocol to approach as many as possible of those who had taken part in the gathering.
The Accueil Notre-Dame is one of the Sanctuary of Lourdes’ hospitality centers: it welcomes, houses, and accompanies sick pilgrims, people with disabilities, and those who need special assistance during their pilgrimage.
The Pope paused to greet, listen to, and spend a few moments with each person, embodying Jesus’ words: “I was sick and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36).
Lourdes receives millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. In 2024, the sanctuary welcomed 3.2 million pilgrims and independent visitors, in addition to 410,000 people who arrived with organized groups. Close description
The Accueil Notre-Dame is one of the Sanctuary of Lourdes’ hospitality centers: it welcomes, houses, and accompanies sick pilgrims, people with disabilities, and those who need special assistance during their pilgrimage.
The Pope paused to greet, listen to, and spend a few moments with each person, embodying Jesus’ words: “I was sick and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36).
Lourdes receives millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. In 2024, the sanctuary welcomed 3.2 million pilgrims and independent visitors, in addition to 410,000 people who arrived with organized groups. Close description