Pope Leo XIV addresses UNESCO

Pope Leo XIV called for increased international cooperation in education, science, and culture during a speech to UNESCO representatives at the organization's headquarters in Paris on Friday, September 25. The address marked the first day of the pope's apostolic journey to France.

The pope warned of the risks of dehumanization caused by conflicts, inequalities, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence. He argued that peace cannot be achieved without justice and respect for human dignity. He also cautioned that when people forget the value of life, it ceases to be a gift and becomes a commodity, noting that unborn children serve as a primary measure of this shift.

Addressing representatives from nearly all member states, the pope advocated for multilateralism and dialogue to preserve human freedom and beauty. Following the visit to the UNESCO headquarters, the pope traveled through Paris to Notre-Dame.