Pope Visits Healing Shrine, Calls Assisted Death Fake Kindness

The pope went to a famous healing spot in France. He met with people hurt by church leaders. Seven survivors sat down with him. One was abused as an adult. This happens as the church faces its past mistakes.

Later he spoke to a huge crowd. About 150,000 people came. Many used wheelchairs. He told them their pain does not lower their worth. No law can take that away. He said letting people die is not real kindness. It is fake compassion. The crowd clapped.

This place has a long story. A young girl saw visions in 1858. The church said they were real. Now millions visit each year. They drink from a spring. Seventy-two cures are called miracles. The pope prayed there and drank the water.

France recently made assisted death legal for very sick adults. The pope disagrees. He says legal does not mean right. He stands for life from start to natural end. That means no abortion, no assisted death.

The abuse scandal hit France hard. A report said 330,000 kids were hurt over 70 years. Three thousand priests and workers did it. The church paid over 20 million euros to victims. Fewer men want to be priests now. The pope says trust must come back.