Pope Leo XIV Tells French Leaders Right to Life Is Foundation of Every Other Human Right
Published
Pope Leo XIV told French authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps at the Élysée Palace in Paris on September 25 that "the protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right." On his apostolic journey to France, he voiced concern at trends that risk turning science and technology into profit-driven ventures promoting genetic manipulation, surrogacy, the trade in human organs or the possibility of arranging one's own death. He said France is called to remain "a tireless champion of peace and multilateralism." President Emmanuel Macron received him; the Élysée said their talks covered climate, artificial intelligence, the war in Ukraine and peace in the Middle East.