Pope Leo homily given at the Holy Mass celebration at the Lourdes Shrine in France
HOMILY OF POPE LEO XIV Prairie of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes Sunday, 27 September 2026 In Lourdes, Pope Leo speaks of doing penance Tens of thousands of people filled the streets around the sanctuary, giving an exuberant welcome. The Pope entered Lourdes via the "Léon XIV Bridge," which he officially opened, unveiling a statue to the strains of the Gloria, sung by a male choir. Then, as night fell, against the backdrop of the illuminated sanctuary and a full moon, he spent another quarter of an hour greeting the crowds from an open-top popemobile. Brothers and sisters, pilgrims from France and from throughout the world, in seeing you gathered here this morning in our Mother’s home, I see the universal face of the Church. Some of you have crossed continents, traveled far, and brought your joys and burdens to this sacred grotto. What a joy it is to be together, as one heart and one family. I would especially like to greet the pilgrims who have come from every provin...