Stories
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Assisted Dying at Lourdes, Shrine of Miraculous Cures
- •Pope Leo XIV visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, condemning medically assisted dying as "false compassion" and reaffirming the sanctity of life amidst legislative moves in France.
- •The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a major Catholic pilgrimage site in France, attracting millions annually, including sick and disabled pilgrims seeking healing.
- •The shrine's sanctity dates back to 1858, when 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary, leading to the discovery of the famous Lourdes spring water.
- •While over 7,000 unexplained cures have been recorded, the Catholic Church has officially recognized only 72 as true miracles, verified through a rigorous, multi-year process by independent medical professionals.
- •Key landmarks include the Massabielle Grotto, three main basilicas, baths and fountains for pilgrims, and daily traditions like the evening Torchlight Marian Procession.
Key Questions Answered
Pope Leo XIV condemned medically assisted dying as immoral and a form of “false compassion” during his visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Reaffirming Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life, he stated that individuals experiencing severe pain possess an inherent dignity that no law or system can eliminate.
Although over 7,000 cases of unexplained cures have been recorded since the spring appeared, the Catholic Church has officially recognized only 72 spontaneous healings as true miracles. These healings undergo a rigorous, multi-year verification process governed by independent medical professionals to ensure criteria like an instant, complete, and permanent recovery from a severe illness are met.
The sanctity of the Lourdes site dates back to February 11, 1858, when a 14-year-old peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the first of 18 apparitions of a radiant lady who later identified herself as the Immaculate Conception. Instructed by the apparition to dig in the dirt at the cave, Bernadette uncovered a steady spring of clear water that remains a central focal point for millions of pilgrims today.
