Pope Leo XIV criticizes AI, assisted dying on France arrival

Pope Leo XIV made an 18-year-long awaited visit to France, the first official papal visit to the secular nation. Upon arrival at Paris Orly Airport, he was met by President Emmanuel Macron. During his four-day stay, the pontiff addressed several pressing issues, including his opposition to assisted dying and his concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.

In remarks at the Elysee Palace, Pope Leo emphasized that the protection of the right to life is the foundation of all human rights. He expressed worry about societal trends that prioritize profit-driven ventures such as surrogacy and assisted dying. The pontiff also delivered an urgent warning about the development of artificial intelligence, calling for education in ethical discernment to avoid losing humanity in a world of technology.

Pope Leo's itinerary included meetings with Macron at the Elysee Palace, speaking engagements at UNESCO headquarters, Notre Dame Cathedral, and a Mass for 80,000 young people at the Stade de France. He also planned to celebrate Mass for 600,000 people at Place de la Concorde before traveling to Lourdes, a renowned Catholic pilgrimage site. On Monday, Leo will deliver a speech in Metz, near the German border, and return to Rome on Monday.