Pope Leo XIV began his four-day trip to France with a speech at the Élysée Palace, where he posed fundamental questions about what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence and nuclear arms. He raised concerns about scientific progress, life, and human rights, reaffirming the Vatican's opposition to nuclear weapons. The Pope described the nuclear deterrence doctrine as "mistaken" and emphasized that peace is built through dialogue and justice, not a balance of power.
Thousands of people lined the motorcade route, waving French and Holy See flags, to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo XIV. The turnout demonstrated a surprising level of interest in his visit, the first official state visit by a pope to France in 18 years. Some attendees, like Senegalese Sister Antonia Faye, expressed their joy and comfort in their faith after attending an evening prayer service at Notre Dame. The event featured angelic choirs and the cathedral's booming organ.
For French President Emmanuel Macron, hosting Pope Leo XIV is seen as a significant event, particularly as his term ends. Macron's approval ratings are near record lows, driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and criticism of France's growing debt and deficit. Macron thanked the Pope for visiting, saying it was moving to have him give his time to France. The Pope's visit comes as Macron faces limitations on seeking re-election.
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized reawakening Europe's Christian roots. He called for the French to remember that the right to life is the indispensable foundation of every other human right. This message is particularly relevant in France, where the right to abortion was enshrined in the constitution in 2024, and lawmakers recently approved a bill allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication.
Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about the threats posed by artificial intelligence to human dignity. He noted that while "intelligence" is attributed to computational systems, there is a struggle to recognize the inalienable dignity of human persons. The Pope has identified AI as one of the greatest challenges facing humanity and dedicated his first encyclical to the topic, calling for robust regulation and a focus on the common good.
During his visit to Notre Dame, Pope Leo XIV presided over evening prayers in the cathedral, which was damaged in a 2019 fire. He marveled at the restored stained-glass windows and cream columns and praised the artisans who repaired them. The Pope urged the priests and nuns gathered to be inspired by the combined effort to bring the Gothic masterpiece back to life.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to France is seen as an opportunity for dialogue on the role of AI and its impact on humanity. He earlier told reporters that he was pleased his message was being heard and hoped the dialogue initiated by the Vatican with tech companies would continue. The Pope's message seems to have resonated with some top AI companies, which have taken steps to address concerns about AI's impact on humanity.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV warns against the risks of a "paradise of machines" undermining humanity.
- The Pope emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inalienable dignity of human persons in the face of AI advancements.
- Pope Leo XIV's visit to France marks a significant event in his pontificate, with a focus on reawakening Europe's Christian roots and promoting dialogue on AI and human dignity.
