França: Papa denuncia novas formas de escravatura económica e cultural

Pope Leo XIV denounced new forms of economic and cultural slavery during his visit to Maison Bakhita in Paris on September 26, 2026. The diocesan center, which supports people facing social exclusion, served as the first stop for the second day of the pope's visit to the French capital.

During the visit, which included testimonies from refugees and people assisted by Catholic institutions, the pope encouraged solidarity projects to make investments that go against current trends. He stated that the example of Saint Bakhita calls for recognizing those who are overlooked and rescuing those enslaved by modern economic and cultural systems to honor human dignity.

Addressing the local sociopolitical climate and debates over immigration, the pope said that human history is not written by those who impose themselves or occupy space, but by those who create space and start peace processes. He described the center as a place where people can live together with dignity and peace.