In order to encourage the conversion of hearts and minds among all Catholic faithful, the bishops have called for the reading or distribution of a message titled "Resolutely, Let Us Continue Serving the Truth!" on the fight against sexual violence in the Church to be done in parishes whenever possible.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, On March 31 and April 1, as we committed in March 2023, we, the bishops of France, took stock of the battle against sexual violence in the Catholic Church. At our invitation, three hundred individuals: victims alone or in groups, guests from our dioceses, laypeople, priests and deacons, religious men and women, experts, and association leaders gathered at the Cité Saint-Pierre in Lourdes. Over three half-days, six round tables led by various journalists, workshops, and a cine-concert recounting a victim's journey from traumatic amnesia to justice took place in a climate of mutual work, listening, kindness, and great diligence. We deeply thank the victims and their groups. We are grateful for the companionship they have consented to share with us. Their voices, once again, help our Church to confront the truth in fighting the evil it carries, so that we can be more faithful to Christ and our mission. A path has been opened since the CIASE report was submitted; it must continue forward. It is essential that, with all of you, we progress in a culture of vigilance and kindness, respect towards all people, especially the most vulnerable and children. Prevention and accompanying victims are our shared responsibility. This session in Lourdes was marked by the heartbreaking testimonies of several victims, including some who experienced the horrors of Bétharram. We express how much we understand and share their outcry and anger. We stand resolutely by their side to ensure the necessary truth and justice work is swiftly completed. Together with the General Secretariat of Catholic Education and the teaching religious congregations, we encourage individuals who have suffered physical or sexual violence in schools to report to justice and contact France Victimes or the listening cells in our dioceses. We say it again with strength and in the words of Christ Jesus himself: it is the truth that sets free (cf. John 8:32) and opens paths for healing. Several speakers quoted God’s words to Moses in the burning bush: "I have seen, yes I have seen the misery of my people and I have heard their cries... Yes, I know their sufferings" (Exodus 3:7). Do not be afraid, brothers and sisters, we urge you, to hear the cries of those who suffer in our Church and through it too. Let us act together to make our Church safer. We need everyone’s vigilance and commitment for our Church to face this crisis by allowing transformation. We believe our God is a liberating God. As we enter Holy Week, let us listen to what He promises: "I have come down to deliver them" (Exodus 3:8). This is what we will celebrate during Holy Days, in the hope of Easter. The bishops of France.