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Pope Leo XIV looks on during his meeting with France's President at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris on September 25, 2026 at the start of his four days visit to France. (Photo by MOHAMMED BADRA / POOL / AFP)
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Moneycontrol•25-09-2026, 17:02
Pope Leo XIV Warns Against Genetic Manipulation, Surrogacy, and AI Risks in France Visit
  • •Pope Leo XIV cautioned against profit-driven science, specifically condemning genetic manipulation, surrogacy, human organ trade, and assisted dying during his first papal visit to France.
  • •He expressed concern over humanity losing its place in a world increasingly shaped by machines and artificial intelligence, advocating for stronger ethical education.
  • •The Pope addressed France's secularism, arguing that "authentic secularity" should foster dialogue between religious institutions and the state, not exclude religion from public life.
  • •His remarks on assisted dying followed France's recent legislation establishing a right to assisted dying for some adults with incurable conditions.
  • •Pope Leo XIV urged France to remain a "tireless champion of peace and multilateralism" amid global conflicts, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Key Questions Answered

Pope Leo XIV raised concerns over profit-driven ventures promoting genetic manipulation, surrogacy, the trade in human organs, and assisted dying, while also warning about artificial intelligence and machines undermining human values.

The Pope's remarks followed a decision by France's parliament in June that passed legislation establishing a right to assisted dying for certain adults suffering from incurable conditions.

Pope Leo XIV argued that authentic secularism should not exclude religion from public life or education, stating instead that the state and religious institutions should maintain a dialogue and join forces to serve the common good.