Pope leads anniversary mass in Lourdes

The Pope has celebrated a mass at Lourdes in south-western France, close to the spot where the faithful believe visions of the Virgin Mary appeared 150 years ago. More than 100,000 pilgrims gathered in a field to hear Pope Benedict say that love can overcome all the evil in the world.

Earlier, the 81-year-old, who is on his first visit to France since becoming pontiff, visited the grotto where the apparitions are said to have been witnessed, and drank water from a spring that believers say has healing powers.

During his homily, the Pope also urged French Catholics not to be afraid of living their faith in public, in a country where there is a strong separation between church and state. He also encouraged young people to enter religious life as priests or nuns.

The once powerful French Catholic Church now has a shortage of clergy, and attendance at Sunday Mass is down to below 10 per cent.

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