Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday for a four-day trip, marking the first official visit by a pope to this secular country in 18 years. Leo, the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, was welcomed at Paris Orly Airport by Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and will remain in the country until Monday.
Criticism of Euthanasia
In remarks made at the Élysée Palace, Leo explicitly expressed his opposition to euthanasia initiatives. This criticism came just two months after a law was passed in France that established a legal right to euthanasia for individuals with incurable diseases. Although he did not specifically mention this new law, he criticized what he described as "economic interests" in areas such as euthanasia and organ rental.
Pope Leo stated, "I firmly reiterate that the protection of the right to life is the essential foundation of every other human right." He also expressed concern that some social trends might turn science and technology into economic projects based on genetic manipulation, organ rental, and human organ trade.
Warning About Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo also warned about the development of artificial intelligence. He said, "If we want to avoid losing our humanity in the midst of a 'paradise of machines' that affects our daily lives, there is an urgent need for education in moral discernment."
The pope's itinerary includes a meeting with Macron at the Élysée Palace, a speech at UNESCO headquarters, leading prayers at Notre-Dame Cathedral, and holding a mass for about 80,000 young people at the national stadium. On Saturday, he is scheduled to hold another mass for 600,000 people in Place de la Concorde on the Champs-Élysées.
During his trip to France, Leo responded to a question from a reporter about former President Donald Trump's efforts to ban coverage of him, saying, "I am very happy to be here, you are all welcome."
Leo, who had to return home alone due to flight issues, took the opportunity to apologize to his reporters, saying, "I want to personally apologize for an incident in which I had no involvement and I know has upset some of you." He also told reporters that he came to France as "a pilgrim for peace" during a time of war.
Pope Leo, who has been vocal against wars in Ukraine, Iran, and elsewhere, stated, "This message is especially important at this time, which we all know." He had also mentioned before his trip to France in the Vatican that leaders must face new technology "with wisdom" as it raises questions about the nature of humanity.
Leo is working to restore the Catholic Church's credibility in France, where views have become sharply negative following the release of a report in 2021 documenting seven decades of abuse of 330,000 French children by clergy and lay leaders. During his visit, he will meet with victims of church abuse.
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