The Bétharram victims' collective expressed "consternation" over the pope's decision not to meet with them during his visit to Lourdes in September. The group, made up of over 200 former students who were victims of abuse at the Bétharram school, had requested a meeting with the pope since July 2025 and renewed their request in May 2026. They described their request as simple: a brief time to pray, receive a blessing, and present five specific proposals aimed at protecting, repairing, and preventing future harm. The collective expressed disappointment, saying, "This hand extended to the victims has just been refused," and emphasized that they were not seeking a special favor, but rather a chance to be heard. They also noted the symbolic significance of the pope's visit to Lourdes, just a few kilometers from Bétharram, where many children endured abuse over decades. The French Bishops' Conference announced that seven individuals who are victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church will meet with the pope during his visit. In a statement released on August 28, the conference said that the pope and the Church in France wanted to meet with survivors of abuse. The selection of the seven individuals was based on several factors, including their diversity in terms of age, gender, the nature of their experiences, and where the abuse occurred—such as in Catholic schools, parishes, or religious communities. The conference also considered the regions where the victims live and their current commitments. The French Bishops' Conference acknowledged the disappointment of the Bétharram victims' collective, explaining that selecting the seven individuals was "extremely delicate and difficult." They expressed "deep respect" for all who have suffered abuse within the Church, including the collective. While the group was not chosen for the meeting, the Church recognized the importance of their voices and the pain they have endured. The pope's visit to France is scheduled from September 25 to 28. On the first day, he will meet with President Emmanuel Macron, visit UNESCO's headquarters, attend a vespers service at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, and hold a youth vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The next day, he will celebrate mass on the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Elysées. On September 27, he will travel to Lourdes for an outdoor mass. His visit will conclude on September 28 in Moselle, where he is expected to deliver a speech on Europe at the Metz Convention Center and attend a mass in the city's cathedral.