Pope Leo XIV, in France, Says Protection of Life a Duty For Everyone

Pope Leo XIV told French President Emmanuel Macron and government members at the Élysée Palace on Sept. 25 that protecting human life is a responsibility for everyone. During his first speech of a four-day visit to France, the pope expressed concern that science and technology are being used for profit rather than moral progress.

The pope specifically noted risks involving genetic manipulation, surrogacy, the organ trade, and the ability to arrange one's own death. He stated that respecting and protecting every human life is a duty for all people. He added that this duty is an expression of true secularity, noting that Christians in public service should be guided by their conscience.

The remarks come after France legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia this summer. These practices, which include both the intentional ending of a person's life to relieve suffering and the use of physician-guided drugs to end life, are prohibited by Catholic teaching. The pope is scheduled to remain in France through Sept. 28.