PARIS – Pope Leo XIV criticizes French law on medical aid in dying

PARIS, September 25 /ATSH-DPA/ – Pope Leo XIV criticized during his visit to Paris a new law in France that allows, in certain cases, assistance for people with very serious illnesses who wish to end their lives.

During a speech at the Élysée Palace, where French President Emmanuel Macron was also present, Pope Leo called for a “new brotherhood” and said this means accepting life at every stage of it and respecting every human being.

He stressed that protecting the right to life is the foundation of all other human rights.

What does the French law provide?

France has adopted a law that allows aid in dying for people who are in very serious condition, suffer greatly and meet conditions set by the law.

This is different from abortion, which concerns the termination of pregnancy.

The Catholic Church opposes both abortion and assisted dying, because it upholds the principle that human life must be preserved.

The Pope also warns about the risks of science and technology

Pope Leo also warned that science and technology must not be used solely for economic gain.

He cited as concerns the genetic modification of humans, pregnancy with the help of another woman and organ trafficking, as well as the possibility that technology could be used to plan the end of life.

What will the Pope do next in France?

After the meeting with Macron, the Pope will visit UNESCO in Paris.

In the evening he will lead a Mass at the Stade de France, where around 80,000 people are expected.

On Saturday, several hundred thousand people are expected at another Mass at Place de la Concorde.

The Pope will then visit Lourdes, one of the best-known Catholic pilgrimage sites, and Metz, near the border with Germany, where he is expected to speak about peace in Europe.