Pope Leo’s address at Holy Rosary Prayers and Torchlight Procession
Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes – Sunday, 27 September 2026
Our Lady requested: “People should come here in procession.”
Pope Leo’s address
This evening, we have gathered to respond to the request that Our Lady made to the priests through Saint Bernadette. “People should come here in procession.”
It is moving to see the faithful respond with love and trust to the Virgin Mary’s tender invitation, from one generation to the next.
It is also consoling to hear Christians sing fervent and faithful hymns and to see them walk towards their Mother in Heaven with lights in their hands. It was from the Cross that Jesus gave us this Mother.
I thank the Lord that I, too, may respond to our Mother’s call this evening, becoming a pilgrim among pilgrims.
The light that guides and propels us forward is the light of hope.
It never abandons us as we journey through this life, a life often marked by trials yet filled with the joy of knowing we are children of God, loved and saved by Jesus.
The sick are privileged witnesses to the transfiguration of our lives through faith and love of God and neighbor.
It is necessary for us to come here and take part in this procession with you, our ill brothers and sisters, to experience this reality fully.
As Pope Pius XII wrote: “No one has ever seen such a procession of suffering in one spot on earth, never such radiance of peace, serenity, and joy”.
If the miracle of finding serenity and joy amidst suffering is possible, it is because God grants us the grace to perceive the life-giving presence of the risen Christ among us.
He enables us to look beyond our earthly horizon toward a future of immeasurable happiness with God.
We are assured of attaining this future if we remain steadfast in faith and charity.
For this reason, Saint Paul encourages us: “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is about to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Dear brothers and sisters who are ill, keep these precious words constantly in your hearts: The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is about to be revealed to us.
Therefore, we are called to persevere on our journey with Mary going before us, for as long as we are granted in this life.
We hasten with confidence toward her, whose Immaculate Conception shines like a beacon in the night.
She is a sign of love’s goodness, and God’s victory, giving our world the hope it needs. This evening, let us turn our gaze towards Mary, who is so glorious and human.
Allow her to lead us toward God who is the victor”.
“I am the Immaculate Conception.”
With the greatest humility, Mary identified herself here, giving thanks to God for the unique privilege bestowed upon her—a privilege that, for us, represents the dawn of salvation.
Through his passion and resurrection, Jesus preserved his Mother from all traces of original sin.
He made her a new Eve over whom the devil would have no power.
Through her, all things begin anew and become possible once more, for the world and for each one of us.
This is why her support and intercession are vital for Christians who wish to receive the grace of redemption won for us through Jesus’ blood and to resist evil.
She is the Star of the Sea — Stella Maris — who comes to our aid in times of tribulation.
As Saint Bernard expressed so beautifully: “O you who find yourself tossed about by the storms of life, turn not your eyes from the brightness of this Star, if you would not be overwhelmed by its boisterous waves…
Following her, you will never go astray; when you implore her aid, you will never yield to despair; thinking on her, you will not err; under her patronage you will never wander; beneath her protection you will not fear; she being your guide, you will not weary; if she be your propitious Star, you will arrive safely into harbor” (Saint Bernard, On the “Missus Est”, Homily II).
Dear brothers and sisters, pilgrims and all who are ill,
You have come from France and from all over the world to take part in this fervent and peaceful procession of light.
Let us bring our dearest and most urgent intentions and present them to Our Lady.
As we contemplate her in her Immaculate Conception, may joy and invincible hope rise in our hearts.
Clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet and crowned with stars, she is glorious and powerful.
Yet she is also humble and very close to us.
She is the Mother of Jesus, and our Mother.
O Immaculate Virgin, may the light we hold tonight never be extinguished in our lives. May it illuminate our future and open us to the promise of eternal life today.