Pope Leo XIV arrives in Paris, urging French leaders to protect the right to life

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris on Sept. 25 to begin a four-day trip to France, delivering his first public address of the visit at the Élysée Palace. During the speech at President Emmanuel Macron's official residence, the pope told French civil authorities that protecting the right to life is the essential foundation for all other human rights.

The pope condemned assisted dying, abortion, and surrogacy while expressing concern that science and technology may become profit-driven ventures used for genetic manipulation, the trade in human organs, or arranging one's own death. He called on lawmakers to welcome life unconditionally and to defend those who are ignored or unable to speak for themselves.

Pope Leo XIV noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was first proclaimed in Paris as he reminded listeners that protecting every human life is a duty for everyone. The apostolic journey continues through Sept. 28 and will take the pope from the capital to the Marian shrine of Lourdes.