Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Abortion, Assisted Dying Laws in France, Calls for Protection of Right to Life

Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Abortion, Assisted Dying Laws in France, Calls for Protection of Right to Life
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Pope Leo XIV has criticized recent legislative developments in France concerning abortion and assisted dying, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s position that human life must be protected at every stage.

During a speech delivered in French at the Élysée Palace in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and senior officials, the Pope referred to France’s national motto of “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” calling for the creation of a “new fraternity” based on courage, compassion, and support for those who are vulnerable or without a voice.

The Pope praised France’s historical role in promoting human rights and peace, but emphasized the Catholic concept of the “sanctity of life” as a central principle of the Church’s moral teaching.

His remarks came amid ongoing political and social debates in France over abortion and end-of-life legislation. In March 2024, France became the first country to explicitly include the right to access abortion in its constitution.

The Catholic Church opposes abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide, maintaining that human life should be protected from conception until natural death.

The Pope’s comments highlight the continuing differences between the Vatican’s position and French law, as France debates possible reforms related to assisted dying and the legal and medical safeguards surrounding end-of-life care.