Pope Leo XIV has stated that assisted dying is not "normal" during his visit to France, where parliament has recently legalized the practice for certain patients. The Pope made these comments at the French pilgrimage site of Lourdes, addressing believers who were sick or suffered from disabilities. He emphasized the importance of upholding human dignity, saying that no human law should make individuals lose certainty in their dignity.
The Pope's remarks were met with strong criticism from those who support the new French law, which establishes a right to assisted dying for some adults suffering from an incurable condition. The law, passed in June, drew denouncement from the Catholic Church in France, which called it a serious "rupture". The Church's stance on the issue is clear, with the Pope reiterating that causing death cannot be regarded as normal, even under the guise of compassion.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to France is a landmark trip, with the Pope delivering a speech at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. He also met with support workers and service users at the Accueil Notre-Dame structure. During his trip, the Pope has issued an urgent appeal for peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East. He has also warned against losing humanity in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the need for moral guidance in modern times.
The Pope's comments on assisted dying have sparked debate in France and beyond. While some argue that individuals should have the right to choose when and how they die, others believe that assisted dying undermines the value of human life. The Pope's stance is clear: he believes that what is legal is not necessarily moral, and that causing death cannot be normalized.
France's parliament passed the legislation establishing a right to assisted dying in June, with the law allowing certain adults to request assisted dying. The move has been met with both support and criticism, with some arguing that it is a compassionate step forward and others claiming that it is a slippery slope. The Catholic Church in France has been vocal in its opposition to the law.
The Pope's visit to Lourdes is part of a larger trip to France, which has included a giant mass in Paris. The Pope has been welcomed by French officials, including UNESCO chief Khaled El-Enany. During his trip, the Pope has highlighted the importance of upholding human dignity and promoting moral guidance in modern society.
The debate over assisted dying is ongoing in France and beyond. While some argue that individuals should have the right to choose when and how they die, others believe that assisted dying undermines the value of human life. The Pope's comments have added fuel to the debate, with his stance clear: assisted dying is not "normal" and should not be normalized.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV says assisted dying is not "normal" during landmark visit to France
- France's parliament has legalized assisted dying for certain patients, sparking debate
- The Pope has emphasized the importance of upholding human dignity and promoting moral guidance in modern society
