Pope Leo arrives in France, urges leaders to protect all human life

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris on Sept. 25 to begin a four-day visit to France, starting with a speech at the Élysée Palace. During his address at the official residence of President Emmanuel Macron, the pope told French civil authorities that protecting the right to life is the essential foundation for all other human rights.

The pope condemned assisted dying, abortion, and surrogacy, telling lawmakers they must welcome life unconditionally and support the frail. He expressed concern that science and technology are becoming profit-driven ventures that promote genetic manipulation, the trade in human organs, or the ability to arrange one's own death. Recalling that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was first proclaimed in Paris, the pope stated that protecting every human life is a duty for everyone.

The official state visit continues through Sept. 28. Following his time in the capital, the pope is scheduled to travel to the Marian shrine of Lourdes in the south and the city of Metz in the northeast.