During his four-day visit to France, Pope Leo expressed urgent concerns regarding the development of artificial intelligence, warning that it could lead to a future where machines dominate human life. He emphasized the necessity for ethical education to maintain humanity in the face of advancing technology.
This visit marks the first papal trip to France in nearly two decades and is also aimed at addressing the Church's reputation following abuse scandals. The pope reiterated the Church's pro-life stance, particularly against assisted dying, which has recently been legalized in France.
His visit is significant as it coincides with a broader decline in Catholic affiliation among younger generations in France, where only 25% of individuals aged 18 to 49 identify as Catholic, down from 43% a decade ago.
Pope Leo's agenda includes meetings with abuse survivors and discussions on the Church's role in contemporary societal issues, reflecting a desire to restore trust and relevance in a changing cultural landscape