Pope Léon XIV began his four-day visit to France with a speech at the Élysée, where he emphasized the importance of secularism, denouncing the exclusion of religion from public space. He called for dialogue between people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, seven months ahead of the presidential election. The Pope also expressed his support for Catholic schools, stating they have a place in France's educational landscape.
The Pope addressed bioethical issues, condemning genetic manipulation, surrogacy, organ trafficking, and the "offer of programmed death." He presented these practices as deviations that risk turning science and technology into lucrative enterprises. This comes two months after the French Parliament adopted a law creating a right to "aid to die," which was strongly opposed by the Church.
Pope Léon XIV also made artificial intelligence a major theme of his visit, warning against the risk of losing "our humanity in the midst of a paradise of machines that invade and condition our daily lives." He called for the development of "ethical discernment" in the context of growing concern about regulating AI tools. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously advocated for an international organization to prevent AI from being concentrated in a few hands.
The Pope received a warm welcome from the French public, with many expressing their excitement and hope for his visit. President Macron described the visit as a "great honor" that inspires "hope." The Pope also expressed his affection for France, stating that it is often at the heart of his prayers, and acknowledging his Norman and Béarnais family roots.
During his visit, Pope Léon XIV will participate in several events, including a speech at UNESCO, a 2.5 km procession in a papamobile through the center of Paris, and the celebration of vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral. He will also attend a large prayer vigil at the Stade de France, which is expected to draw 80,000 young people.
The Pope's visit has mobilized significant security measures, with 17,000 volunteers, 15,000 police and gendarmes, 2,500 accredited journalists, and a budget of 27 million euros. The Pope's message of peace and spirituality resonated with many, including Andrée Estienne, a 76-year-old retiree, who expressed her apprehension about the world's current state and her hope for the Pope's visit to bring people together.
As the Pope's visit continues, he will travel to Lourdes and Metz, spreading his message of peace and spirituality to more French people. With his strong stance on various issues, Pope Léon XIV's visit is expected to have a significant impact on France and the global community.
Key points
- The Pope emphasized the importance of secularism, denouncing the exclusion of religion from public space.
- Pope Léon XIV warned against the risks of artificial intelligence, calling for the development of "ethical discernment."
- The Pope's visit has mobilized significant security measures, with 17,000 volunteers, 15,000 police and gendarmes, and a budget of 27 million euros.
