Seek the Immaculate Virgin’s support and intercession, Pope says during procession at Lourdes

September 28, 2026

Pope Leo XIV took part in the torchlight procession last night at Lourdes (video) and said that the Blessed Virgin Mary’s support and intercession are vital for Christians.

“We are gathered this evening to respond to the request that Our Lady addressed to the priests through Saint Bernadette: ‘People should come here in procession,’“ Pope Leo began. “How moving it is to see the faithful, from one generation to the next, respond with love and trust to the tender invitation of the Virgin Mary. How consoling it is to hear Christians sing hymns filled with fervor and faith, and to see them walk, with a light in their hands, towards their Mother in Heaven, the Mother whom Jesus gave us from the Cross. I give thanks to the Lord that I, too, may respond this evening to the call of our Mother, becoming a pilgrim among pilgrims.”

“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 with the glory about to be revealed to us,’“ Pope said, as he quoted St. Paul. “We are therefore called always to persevere on our journey, with Mary going before us, for as many days as are granted to us in this life. We hasten with confidence towards her, whose Immaculate Conception shines like a beacon in the night.”

The Pontiff continued:

“I am the Immaculate Conception.” This is how Mary identified herself here, with the greatest humility, while giving thanks to God for the unique privilege bestowed upon her—a privilege that for us represents the dawn of salvation.

By the merits of his passion and resurrection, Jesus willed to preserve his Mother from every trace of original sin. He made her a new Eve, over whom the devil would never have any power. From her, everything begins anew, everything becomes possible once more, both 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.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pilgrims and all who are ill, you have come from France and throughout the world to take part in this fervent and peaceful procession of light,” Pope Leo added. “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 within our hearts.”

He concluded:

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 she is our Mother.

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 even today to the promises of eternal life.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to France: Holy Rosary and Torchlight Procession (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/27/26)
• Pope Leo a 'pilgrim among pilgrims' in Lourdes (Vatican News, 9/27/26)
• A rosary in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims (Vatican News, 9/27/26)