France: Pope Leo XIV keeps visit focused on faith over politics
Pope Leo XIV has declined a state dinner, the Legion of Honour and a private meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, keeping his four-day France visit centred on its apostolic mission despite official talks at the Élysée. While the Vatican cited scheduling reasons, some observers see a desire to emphasise the trip's spiritual focus, even as the pontiff is set to address European security and…
On September 25, Pope Leo arrived in France for a four-day trip aimed at repairing the Catholic Church's reputation following abuse scandals. The first US pope to visit France in nearly two decades, Leo was greeted by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, as well as children at Paris Orly airport. During his visit, he is set to travel to the Catholic shrine at Lourdes and the city of Metz on the German border.
Leo plans to renew calls for global rules on artificial intelligence (AI) development and present a vision for Europe's future. The Pope addressed the risk associated with AI as a major concern of his papacy, urging global leaders to "govern wisely" in overseeing the technology.
The visit comes amid tensions between the Catholic Church and French authorities over the 2024 legalization of abortion and the passage of a law legalizing assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses. The Church opposes abortion, assisted dying, and capital punishment, teaching that all human life is sacred.
Leo will lead a prayer service in Paris at the Notre-Dame cathedral, marking his first visit since a fire nearly destroyed the iconic Gothic masterpiece in 2019. He will also meet seven French victims of abuse by Catholic clergy on Sunday in Lourdes. The Vatican has not disclosed further details about the meeting.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Pope cautions that humanity is at risk in AI ‘paradise of machines’ during France trip malaymail.com
- Pope Leo arrives in France with AI, apologies for clergy abuse on agenda freemalaysiatoday.com
- Pope Leo arrives in France with AI, apologies for clergy abuse on agenda dailymaverick.co.za
- Pope Leo arrives in France with AI, apologies for clergy abuse on agenda koreatimes.co.kr
- Pope Leo visits France: Pontiff wants to focus world's attention on peace, human dignity, technology france24.com
