Pope Leo XIV visits France amid abortion and euthanasia debate
Pope Leo XIV is touring France from September 25‑28, addressing the nation’s new constitutional abortion law and assisted‑dying legislation. His itinerary includes prayers at Lourdes, a UNESCO speech on AI, and a meeting with abuse survivors, while French bishops anticipate a million‑strong audienc…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France this week is set against a backdrop of sharp legal changes on life and death. In 2024 the National Assembly amended the constitution to enshrine abortion as a right and approved a bill allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. The pope’s itinerary, from September 25 to 28, will see him pray at Lourdes, speak at UNESCO, meet abuse survivors, and conclude in Metz.
Life and death in France’s new legal landscape
France’s 2024 constitutional amendment made abortion a protected right, a move that has sparked debate among religious leaders. The same year, parliament passed a law permitting adults suffering from terminal illnesses to end their lives with a lethal dose of medication. The legislation follows years of public discussion on end‑of‑life care and reflects a broader European trend toward legalised assisted dying, although the United Kingdom recently rejected a similar bill.
In Catholic teaching, life is protected from conception to natural death. The Church insists that patients in vegetative states or with chronic illness receive “ordinary” care—hydration, nutrition, and basic treatment—while “extraordinary” measures that merely prolong suffering may be withdrawn. Pope Leo’s message is expected to echo this stance, urging France to uphold the dignity of all human life, from unborn children to the elderly.
The pope’s itinerary and key themes
Day one will see the pope at UNESCO in Paris, where he will discuss artificial intelligence and its impact on education and art. In his encyclical “Magnificent Humanity,” Leo called for stringent AI regulation and urged developers to slow the pace of innovation. The visit is significant, given the United States’ recent withdrawal from UNESCO and its push for rapid AI advancement.
Following UNESCO, Leo will travel to the Lourdes shrine, a pilgrimage site famed for miraculous cures. The pope’s presence there is symbolic, as Lourdes has long been a place of healing for the sick. His prayers are likely to focus on the protection of life, resonating with the country’s new abortion law.
On the final day, the pope will head to Metz, the birthplace of Robert Schuman, a key figure in European integration. Here he will meet with faith leaders and speak at a European peace conference, underscoring the Church’s commitment to peace amid ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
Engagement with abuse survivors and new converts
The Vatican has announced that Leo will meet with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse during his stay. The group includes an adult victim, highlighting the Church’s recognition of abuse that occurred when victims were already adults. This meeting follows a 2021 report estimating that 330,000 children were abused by priests and church workers over 70 years.
French bishops also plan to welcome new adult converts, many of whom have turned to the Church’s traditional Latin Mass. Over 13,000 adults were baptised at Easter this year, a figure that has more than tripled since 2016. While the rise in adult baptisms is modest compared to the decline in total baptisms—from 513,000 in 1980 to 186,000 in 2024—it signals a small but notable shift in the Church’s demographic.
Public reaction and logistical challenges
French bishops expressed astonishment at the level of public interest, expecting about one million people to attend the pope’s events. To accommodate the crowds, organisers expanded the perimeter for the main Mass at Place de la Concorde, extending beyond the 1.9‑kilometre stretch of the Champs‑Élysées where the pope will parade in his popemobile.
Comparisons have been drawn to the pope’s recent visit to Spain, where he received a seven‑minute standing ovation from the Spanish Parliament. A Vatican official noted that the enthusiasm in France mirrors the reaction in Spain, indicating a broader European appetite for the pope’s message on life and dignity.
What comes next?
As the pope concludes his visit, French lawmakers will debate the implications of the new abortion and assisted‑dying laws. The Church’s stance may influence public opinion and future policy. Meanwhile, the Vatican’s engagement with abuse survivors could prompt further reforms within the French Church.
For the pope, the journey through France serves as a platform to reaffirm Catholic teachings on life, dignity, and peace while navigating a secular society that has recently codified life‑ending choices into law.
Key facts
- France enshrines abortion in its constitution and legalises assisted dying
- Pope Leo XIV will address life issues at Lourdes, UNESCO, and Metz
- The pope will meet abuse survivors, including an adult victim
- French bishops expect a million‑strong audience and expanded event spaces
- Adult baptisms have risen but total baptisms continue to fall
- The visit underscores the Church’s stance on AI regulation and peace
- Public reaction mirrors the pope’s recent Spanish visit
Why it matters
The pope’s visit highlights the clash between evolving secular policies on abortion and assisted dying and the Catholic Church’s lifelong defense of human life, influencing public debate and policy in France.
Frequently asked questions
What laws does France have on abortion and assisted dying?
France’s 2024 constitutional amendment protects abortion as a right, and a new law allows adults with terminal illnesses to receive lethal medication.
Why is the pope visiting UNESCO?
He will speak about artificial intelligence, urging regulation and cautioning against unchecked technological progress.
Who will the pope meet regarding abuse?
Seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse, including one adult victim, will meet with him.
How many people are expected to attend the pope’s events?
French bishops anticipate about one million attendees, leading to expanded event areas.
Sources
- [1] france24.com
- [2] independent.co.uk
