LOURDES, France (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday condemned the legalization of medically assisted death as immoral, referring to it as 'false compassion' and reaffirming Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life during a visit to Lourdes, a French shrine known for miraculous healings.
On the third day of his visit to France, Leo addressed the ongoing end-of-life debate in the U.S. and other countries. This issue has been a significant topic in French politics, culminating in recent legislation that allows adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication.
The pope also met with seven survivors of clergy sexual abuse, a practice that has become customary for popes during foreign visits. The aim of these meetings is to acknowledge the Church's failure to protect vulnerable members from abuse. Survivor Jean-Marie Delbos described the encounter as extraordinary, noting that the pope listened attentively to their stories.
Leo's visit has attracted large crowds, including 800,000 attendees at a Mass in Paris. His messages have focused on opposition to abortion and assisted dying. In 2024, France's National Assembly enshrined abortion as a constitutional right and approved the end-of-life bill.
During a Mass attended by approximately 150,000 people, many of whom were in wheelchairs, Leo emphasized the inherent dignity of individuals suffering from severe pain, stating that dignity cannot be eliminated by law. He remarked, 'What is legal is not necessarily moral,' which was met with applause from the crowd.
Catholic doctrine maintains that all human life must be protected from conception until natural death, leading to opposition against abortion, euthanasia, and medically assisted dying. Leo specifically criticized a medical-aid-in-dying law that took effect in his home state of Illinois.
Lourdes has become a major pilgrimage site since the Catholic Church recognized visions of the Virgin Mary reported by a young girl in 1858. The site attracts millions of pilgrims each year, particularly those seeking healing from the spring water associated with the visions.
The pope's visit also addressed the Church's legacy of abuse, with an independent report estimating that 330,000 children were abused over 70 years by some 3,000 priests and church workers in France. In response, French bishops established a compensation system for victims amounting to over 20 million euros ($22.7 million).
During a meeting with French bishops, Leo praised their efforts to support victims and acknowledged the decline in priestly vocations linked to the abuse scandal. He stated that for priestly vocations to flourish, priests must be welcomed and accepted.
Additionally, Leo addressed the ongoing trial of Rev. Marko Rupnik, accused of abusing multiple women, and the decision to cover the façade of a basilica adorned with Rupnik's mosaics to avoid distressing abuse survivors.
The pope's visit to Lourdes included a ride in his popemobile past the covered mosaics, highlighting the Church's ongoing challenges in addressing its past.
Associated Press writer Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report.