World News
Pope Leo XIV prepares for France visit amid secular legal shifts
The pontiff will address life issues and technology in a country expanding abortion and assisted dying rights.
The short version
- Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25-28, addressing Catholic teachings on life issues as well as artificial intelligence at UNESCO.[France 24 · ABC News]
- The trip takes place following France's constitutional protection of abortion rights in 2024 and recent legislation allowing assisted dying for incurably ill adults.[France 24 · ABC News]
- The Vatican announced the pope will meet with clergy sexual abuse victims during the four-day visit, as French bishops project approximately 1 million attendees.[France 24 · ABC News]
Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit France from September 25-28.[France 24 · ABC News]
- France enshrined abortion in its constitution in 2024 and cleared a measure approving assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses.[France 24 · ABC News]
- French bishops estimate that around 1 million attendees will turn out to see Pope Leo XIV during the four-day trip.[France 24 · ABC News]
- The Vatican disclosed ahead of the visit that Pope Leo XIV will meet with survivors of clergy sexual abuse.[France 24 · ABC News]
- A 2021 independent report estimated 330,000 minors suffered abuse over 70 years by an estimated 3,000 priests and church personnel in France.[France 24 · ABC News]
- On the opening day of the journey, the pope is scheduled to address UNESCO regarding artificial intelligence, education, and art.[France 24 · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.