Pope Leo XIV Condemns Assisted Dying During France Visit

During his visit to Lourdes, France, Pope Leo XIV addressed sick and disabled believers, rejecting assisted dying as a normal practice. He stated that no law should undermine the dignity of human life, asserting, “No human law should ever make you lose the certainty of your dignity.” The Pope warned against framing assisted dying as an act of compassion, urging believers to reject the practice of causing death under the guise of helping others.

He emphasized the distinction between what is legally permissible and what is morally acceptable, stating, “What is legal is not necessarily moral.” His remarks followed the passage of legislation in June by France’s parliament, which established a right to assisted dying for certain adults with incurable conditions. This law has faced significant opposition from the Catholic Church in France, which described it as a serious “rupture.”.