Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Pope Leo XIV urges humanity-first ethics during France visit
Pope Leo XIV started a four-day visit to France.
He warned that machines and artificial intelligence should not take away people's humanity.
He said people need to learn how to make good and ethical choices.
The pope also said religion should be allowed to contribute to public life while staying separate from government.
He criticized technology when making money becomes more important than human well-being.
He will lead a large Mass in Paris and meet young Catholics.
He is also scheduled to visit Notre Dame and Lourdes.
Many people are expected to attend events during his visit.
Pope Leo XIV began a four-day official visit to France, the first by a pope in 18 years.
He warned that artificial intelligence could undermine humanity and called for education in ethical decision-making.
Leo said French secularism should not exclude religion from public life or prevent cooperation for the common good.
He criticized technology and science driven by profit, citing genetic manipulation, surrogacy, organ trading and assisted death.
The pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass in Paris, visit Notre Dame and Lourdes, and meet victims of clerical sexual abuse.
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV, French President Emmanuel Macron and large crowds of Catholics and other attendees.
- What
- Leo XIV began an official visit focused on artificial intelligence, ethics, religion in public life and peace.
- When
- The four-day visit began on Friday; the main Paris Mass was scheduled for Saturday.
- Where
- France, including Paris, Notre Dame, Lourdes, Metz and Saint-Denis.
- Why
- The pope said he wanted to promote peace and address the ethical effects of technology and religion's role in society.
- Visit duration
- Four days
- Historical significance
- First official papal visit to France in 18 years
- Expected attendance
- Around one million people were expected at events in Paris during the first two days
- Main Mass
- Scheduled for Place de la Concorde and the adjoining Champs-Elysees
- Artificial intelligence concern
- Leo warned against humanity being lost in a “paradise of machines”
- Lourdes engagement
- Leo is scheduled to meet privately with victims of clerical sexual abuse
- Religious participation
- Around five percent of France's 69 million residents attend church regularly, according to a survey cited by the article