Pope Leo XIV tells believers at Lourdes that assisted dying is not “normal,” warning against laws that could undermine a person’s dignity. Speaking to sick and disabled people during his landmark visit to France, he says, “No human law should ever make you lose the certainty of your dignity.” He also rejects “the temptation to cause death under the guise of false compassion,” adding that causing death cannot be treated as something ordinary.
The remarks come as France’s parliament has legalised assisted dying for certain patients. After lawmakers passed legislation in June, the practice is framed as a right for some adults with incurable conditions. Sources also note that the Catholic Church in France criticises the move, describing it as a “rupture,” while the Pope’s statement reinforces the Church’s moral opposition. Several outlets highlight the pontiff’s line that “What is legal is not necessarily moral,” connecting the speech directly to the new French law.
