Lourdes Bishop says Before Pope Leo XIV’s Visit Controversial Mosaics by Marko Rupnik Will Be Fully Covered

 

Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Lourdes: Controversial Mosaics by Marko Rupnik Will Be Fully Covered—and Will Remain So After His Visit, Bishop Confirms

According to La Dépêche du Midi, in Lourdes, all of the mosaics created by Marko Rupnik—the artist and former Jesuit priest accused of sexual abuse—which adorn the facade of the Rosary Basilica will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit in September. The local bishop confirmed that this measure will be permanent.

Prior to the upcoming papal journey to France and his stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, church authorities have made a definitive decision regarding the controversial artwork. The mosaics created by Marko Rupnik, who faces multiple allegations of spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse, will be completely covered.

The Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes stated that the decision was taken with priority given to the victims of abuse within the Church, ensuring that the artwork will not cause further pain to pilgrims and survivors. Furthermore, the bishop affirmed that the coverings will not be temporary: the mosaics will remain fully obscured even after Pope Leo XIV’s visit has concluded.

Source: https://www.ladepeche.fr/2026/08/20/exclusif-visite-du-pape-leon-xiv-a-lourdes-lintegralite-des-mosaiques-controversees-de-marko-rupnik-seront-recouvertes-et-le-resteront-apres-sa-venue-13514493.php