Pope Leo XIV heads to France amid tensions over abortion and assisted dying
The Pope’s 25–28 September visit will test the reach of Catholic teaching in a secular country that has constitutionally protected abortion and approved assisted-dying legislation.
Pope Leo XIV will visit France from 25 to 28 September, with stops in Lourdes, Paris, UNESCO and Metz. France 24 reports that protecting human life and dignity is expected to be a central theme, including amid disagreement over abortion and assisted dying.
France’s National Assembly enshrined abortion rights in the Constitution in 2024 and has given final approval to a bill allowing some adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. The material does not indicate that the assisted-dying measure is already in force.
The visit will take place within France’s strict secular framework, established by the 1905 law separating church and state, as Catholic participation has declined. More than 13,000 adults were baptised at Easter this year, but total baptisms fell from 513,000 in 1980 to 186,000 in 2024.
Organisers have expanded the area for Leo’s main Mass in Paris after larger-than-expected interest. French bishops expect about 1 million people to see him, while the Pope is also scheduled to meet seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse, including one person abused as an adult.
At UNESCO, Leo is due to address artificial intelligence, education and art. In Metz, he will meet other faith leaders and speak at a European conference on peace. His visit to Lourdes will also bring renewed attention to mosaics linked to allegations against artist and priest Marko Rupnik, whose Vatican trial remains ongoing.
