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 visit to France, using his first public address to urge French leaders to protect the right to life. Speaking at the Élysée Palace, the pope told civil authorities that protecting human life is the essential foundation for all other human rights. He condemned abortion, surrogacy, and assisted dying, while expressing concern that science and technology could become profit-driven ventures involving genetic manipulation, the trade in human organs, or arranged deaths.

During the speech at the official residence of President Emmanuel Macron, the pope called on lawmakers to support the vulnerable and welcome life unconditionally. He noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was first proclaimed in Paris and reminded leaders that protecting every life is a shared duty.

The pope's journey includes visits to the Marian shrine of Lourdes in the south and the city of Metz in the northeast. Earlier in the day, church bells rang for seven minutes to mark his arrival at Orly airport. Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich noted the local desire to see the pope before the pontiff traveled to Notre Dame cathedral.