Pope calls for “new brotherhood” in France

Catholic Church

Pope calls for “new brotherhood” in France

Leo XIV is in France for the first time. He praises – but also finds critical words. Especially about the right to abortion, which is enshrined in the constitution and a new euthanasia law.

At the start of a visit to France, Pope Leo XIV made critical comments about a new euthanasia law that the National Assembly passed in the summer. At a reception at the Élysée Palace, he shouted in the presence of President Emmanuel Macron to a “new brotherhood”. This includes “learning to accept life unconditionally” and “accompanying every phase of life with respect.”

The head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide is staying in for the first time until Monday France on. The triad of freedom, equality and fraternity from the times of the revolution of 1789 is the country’s official motto. The Pope praised France as a country of human rights and its peace efforts.

In his speech, Leo also referred to the fact that the right to abortion has been enshrined in the constitution. The “new brotherhood” includes standing up with “courage and compassion for those who have no voice or do not feel adequately supported.” The Pope said: “I therefore strongly emphasize that the protection of the right to life forms the indispensable basis for all other human rights.”

Since this summer, euthanasia for seriously ill people has been permitted in France according to strict rules. Parliament passed a law that gives terminally ill patients the option of assisted suicide if they suffer intolerable suffering. France is also the first country in the world to have a right to abortion in its constitution.

Leo warned against a false belief in progress. “Today there is a temptation to look to science for solutions and consolation for all our suffering. There is often a danger of succumbing to an illusion.” He is concerned “how societies are currently drifting in the wrong direction and are in danger of turning science and technology into for-profit ventures that promote genetic manipulation, surrogacy, organ trafficking or the offer of planned death.”

After the meeting in the Élysée Palace, the Pope will visit the UN cultural organization Unesco, which is based in Paris has. A vespers service is planned for the evening in France’s national stadium in the suburb of Saint-Denis with around 80,000 participants. On Saturday, several hundred thousand people are expected at a trade fair near the Champs-Élysées.