Pope Leo XIV defends human life in France

Pope Leo XIV defended the sanctity of human life during his visit to France from Sept. 25 to 27, condemning abortion, surrogacy, and assisted dying. His remarks have reignited debate regarding a new assisted-dying law that passed in July and took effect in August.

During his trip, which included stops in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, the pope urged lawmakers and caregivers to protect vulnerable people. Lucie Pacherie, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, said the pope's firm stance serves as encouragement for pro-life movements to continue raising awareness that the new law is not moral, even though it is legal.

At a papal Mass at Place de la Concorde on Sept. 26, six altar servers with Down syndrome participated in the liturgy. Jerome Trillard, one of the servers, told the French channel C News that society needs to include people with disabilities rather than excluding them. Following the visit, bishops and pro-life advocates noted that the pope's blessings of the sick and disabled sent a signal regarding the sacredness of life.