Pope’s words in France are encouragement to not give up the fight against ‘deadly laws’

Pope Leo XIV defended the sanctity of human life during a visit to France from Sept. 25 to 27, condemning abortion, surrogacy, and assisted dying. His remarks have reignited debate regarding a new assisted-dying law that took effect in August after passing in July.

Lucie Pacherie, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, said the pope's firm stance encourages pro-life movements to continue raising awareness that the new law is not good. Pacherie noted that the pope made it clear that legality does not equate to morality.

During a papal Mass at Place de la Concorde on Sept. 26, six altar servers with Down syndrome participated in the liturgy. Jerome Trillard, one of the altar servers, told C News that people with disabilities should be included in society rather than excluded. Pro-life advocates and bishops noted that the pope's blessings of the sick and disabled in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz signaled that life is sacred.