The Pope Criticized France's Law on Assisted Suicide
On the first day of his visit to France, Pope Leo XIV criticized the new law on assisted dying. In a speech at the Élysée Palace, he stated that the right to life must remain the foundation of all other human rights.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday, September 25, for a four-day visit. In Paris, he met with President Emmanuel Macron and addressed French government officials and representatives of civil society. One of the topics of his speech was France’s new policy on end-of-life care. This summer, France passed a law on the right to end-of-life assistance, which provides for assisted suicide and euthanasia under conditions specified by law. In August, the French Constitutional Council confirmed that the law’s main provisions are consistent with the Constitution.
Leo XIV did not call France an enemy of human rights. On the contrary, he praised the country for its role in protecting human rights and its efforts in the field of peace. At the same time, the pontiff emphasized that the concept of human rights must also include the protection of human life. According to the Pope, France needs a “new brotherhood.” He explained that this means the ability to accept life unconditionally and to treat every person with respect at every stage of their life. “I strongly emphasize that the protection of the right to life constitutes an indispensable foundation for all other human rights,” said Leo XIV.
During his address, the pontiff also mentioned the right to abortion, which France has enshrined in its Constitution. He called on French society to act “with courage and compassion toward those who have no voice or do not feel sufficiently supported.” In this way, Leo XIV linked the discussion on end-of-life issues to the broader question of society’s attitude toward people in difficult or vulnerable situations. His position is consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church, which opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France will last four days. In addition to Paris, he will visit the Catholic pilgrimage site of Lourdes and the city of Metz. This is the Pope’s first state visit to France in 18 years. The pontiff’s statement is reported by dpa.
During his visit to France, Pope Leo XIV warned that the development of artificial intelligence could undermine humanity if machines increasingly influence people’s daily lives. In a speech at the Élysée Palace in Paris before French President Emmanuel Macron and diplomats, the pontiff also raised the issues of scientific progress, the right to life, and human rights, according to MyJoyOnline.
