The Pope has left, but Lourdes carries on
Following Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lourdes, the Sanctuary retains fond memories of the faces, the prayers and the thousands of interactions that made those two days such an unforgettable occasion.The 26th and 27th of September 2026 will go down in the history of the Sanctuary. By the very next day, Lourdes was back to business as usual. Pilgrimages have resumed. The sick continue to arrive. Masses continue to be celebrated. The candles continue to burn. At the Grotto, pilgrims still come to entrust their intentions, their sufferings, their thanksgiving and their hopes. The spring will never stop flowing.
One faith, one hope
In this vast gathering of 150,000 people, everybody came with their own story, their joys, their trials and their intentions. Together, they formed a single community gathered around the Grotto of Massabielle. Addressing the pilgrims, the Holy Father reminded them that Lourdes is a place from which one comes away transformed. “Today you are walking on the soil of this blessed land which has received so many graces. May this pilgrimage rekindle the flame of faith in your homes and in your parishes. Carry the comfort of Lourdes to your neighbours, your loved ones and all the people of France.”
‘Lourdes, city of the sick and of hope’
The Pope expressed his wish to meet with the sick, hospitaliers and carers at the Accueil Notre-Dame. “Dear brothers and sisters who are ill, I want to tell you: you are not a burden; you are the beating heart of our humanity and a precious treasure for the Church.” And he said with strength and conviction, “No human law must cause you to lose the certainty of your dignity.”The Pope expressed his wish to meet with the sick, hospitaliers and carers at the Accueil Notre-Dame. “Dear brothers and sisters who are ill, I want to tell you: you are not a burden; you are the beating heart of our humanity and a precious treasure for the Church.” And he said with strength and conviction, “No human law must cause you to lose the certainty of your dignity.”
A light-filled night
When the Pope joined the torchlight procession, he didn’t want to be just a spectator. He became a pilgrim amongst the pilgrims, walking with them behind the statue of Our Lady. Thousands of lights shone up into the night sky over Lourdes, accompanied by the Hail Marys sung in every language. “One must come here to take part in this procession with you, my dear sick people, to truly experience its full reality,” said the Holy Father.
“O Immaculate Virgin, may this light that we hold this evening never be extinguished in our lives, but may it illuminate the future, opening us, from this day forward, to the promises of eternal life.”
Lourdes carries on – your donation keeps Lourdes going
The 150,000 pilgrims gathered on the Prairie. The sick in the front row. The thousands of candles glowing in the night. The torchlight procession behind the Virgin Mary. And that vast crowd which, for two days, turned Lourdes into a place of prayer for France and for the world. But behind these images, there were also hundreds of people working behind the scenes. Volunteers, hosts, welcome teams, healthcare professionals, security staff, priests, technicians and so many others. Our heartfelt thanks go to them all for their dedication!
Tens of thousands of pilgrims arrived by coach despite the difficulties in getting here and returning home.“We know that some of you, despite your desire to come to Lourdes, were unable to reach the Sanctuary in time to attend Mass, having been caught up in heavy traffic. We deeply regret this and, on behalf of the Sanctuary, I would like to apologise.” Father Michel Daubanes, Rector of the Sanctuary.
And now the Pope has left. The barriers have been taken down, the temporary structures removed, and the teams have returned to their daily routines. But the mission of Lourdes continues. The Pope asked us to set out once more as ‘missionaries of hope’. We must now continue to keep that hope alive here in Lourdes.Your donation can help ensure that Lourdes remains a place of welcome, prayer and hope, open every day of the year. So that the world may have life! Your donation enables the Sanctuary to fund the Pope’s visit and to continue facilitating the pilgrimages that arrive here every day. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for keeping Lourdes alive.
