Pope Leo opened his first official visit to France in 18 years by cautioning against the risks posed by advances in technology, underscoring the urgent need for ethical awareness to preserve human dignity.
Speaking at the Élysée Palace, the pope expressed concern about the potential erosion of humanity in what he described as a “paradise of machines,” urging education that fosters moral discernment amid the increasing influence of machines on daily life.
Technology and Humanity
In a subsequent address at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, Pope Leo emphasized that new technologies must remain tools in service of human beings rather than becoming instruments of domination and injustice. He warned that scientific pursuits without ethical grounding risk losing their true purpose, leading to dehumanization and the undervaluing of human life based on productivity and efficiency.
He highlighted the irony that computational systems are labeled as “intelligence,” while the inherent dignity of humans is often overlooked, especially when individuals are dismissed if no longer considered productive.
Global Leadership and Justice Concerns
The pope also criticized world leaders who selectively respect the rule of law, accusing those in power of manipulating legal systems for personal gain and treating justice as a commodity. Without naming individuals, Pope Leo condemned such practices as part of a broader moral decline.
He reiterated his recent remarks about the world being afflicted by a few tyrants and urged politicians, including French President Emmanuel Macron and others, to resist resignation to war and conflict. His message came as France approaches a presidential election marked by political tensions and rising far-right sentiments.
Visit Highlights and Additional Issues
The visit includes a large outdoor mass at Place de la Concorde and a planned speech on European peace in Metz, reflecting ongoing concerns about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On a more personal note, the pope also scheduled a private meeting with seven victims of clerical sexual abuse at Lourdes, amid calls for broader survivor engagement following reports of systemic abuse in France’s Catholic institutions over several decades.
The pope expressed caution about recent French legislation permitting assisted dying for some adults, connecting it to wider ethical concerns about science and technology being driven by profit motives, including genetic manipulation and organ trade.
Support for Journalistic Freedom
On his flight to Paris, Pope Leo welcomed media coverage and underscored the importance of journalism in public life, responding to recent attempts by the previous U.S. administration to restrict media access.
