Abused individuals share experiences after meeting with Pope: He truly listened to us

Five of seven individuals who were abused met with the Pope and described the encounter as emotionally impactful. They expressed that the Pope displayed a remarkable ability to listen deeply and showed extraordinary empathy during their conversation. The meeting took place in Lourdes, where the group spent nearly two hours with the Pope discussing their experiences and praying together.

The gathering was organized after a month of preparation, with participants seeking to establish a format that included both group discussions and individual conversations. Initially intended for five people, the group eventually included seven participants. They emphasized the Pope's desire for a small group to ensure a more personal interaction.

During the meeting, participants shared detailed stories of their experiences. One participant remarked that the Pope listened with uncommon depth, capturing even the smallest details of their narratives. He responded with expressions of his own feelings and commitment, acknowledging the wounds that remain open from his past encounters with victims in Spain.

The participants noted that the Pope's empathy was profoundly felt, with one participant commenting on the Pope's attentive demeanor and ability to engage in a direct conversation. The impact of the meeting was described as significant, with one participant stating that it felt like a transformative experience.

Several participants reflected on their feelings before and after the meeting, highlighting a sense of hope for change. One individual, who had not attended Mass in sixty years, felt moved to participate after seeing the Pope and receiving his blessing.

The meeting was regarded as just the beginning of a journey towards healing, with participants expressing a renewed perspective on the Church and the Pope. They left with a sense that something meaningful had occurred, feeling they had touched something beyond the ordinary.

Participants also conveyed that the Pope was well-prepared and knowledgeable about their stories, having engaged in thorough research prior to the meeting. They felt the encounter was not merely a formal exchange, but a genuine engagement with their struggles and hopes for the future.