Pope Leo XIV visit to France: AI Ethics and the Future of Secularism

Why did Pope Leo XIV warn against artificial intelligence?

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, cautioning that humanity must not lose its core essence within a "paradise of machines." Speaking to state and Church officials at the Élysée Palace, the Pope framed the rise of AI as a potential threat to human dignity. This warning builds upon his first major teaching document issued in May, which advocated for the "disarming" of AI technologies.

The pontiff has drawn parallels between the current trajectory of AI development and historical human rights abuses. Specifically, he suggested that the unchecked growth of automated systems could lead to the normalization of human exploitation, drawing a comparison to the historical slave trade. For the Vatican, the goal is to ensure that technological progress does not outpace the ethical frameworks required to protect individual rights and human value.

The ethical framework of the Vatican's AI stance

The Vatican's position on AI is not merely a technological critique but a moral one. By calling for AI to be "disarmed," Leo XIV is advocating for a regulatory and ethical environment where technology serves humanity rather than subordinating it. This stance seeks to prevent a future where algorithmic decision-making replaces human empathy and moral responsibility, potentially creating new forms of systemic inequality or labor exploitation.

How does the Pope's visit address French secularism?

The Pope Leo XIV visit to France highlights the complex relationship between the Catholic Church and the French principle of laïcité, or secularism. During his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, Leo XIV emphasized that "authentic secularity" should not result in the exclusion of religion from public life or educational institutions. This comment comes at a time when French political discourse frequently uses secularism to justify restrictions on religious symbols in public spaces.

President Macron responded by characterizing the visit as a "great honour" and clarified that French secularism does not negate the role of religion in society. While Macron will not attend the Pope's Masses to maintain the strict separation of state and religion, high-ranking officials such as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and the President's wife, Brigitte Macron, are expected to participate in religious ceremonies. This distinction allows the state to honor the visiting head of state while upholding constitutional boundaries.

What is the scale of the religious events in Paris and Lourdes?

Massive crowds are expected to gather across France to participate in the various stages of the papal tour. In Paris, a major Mass is scheduled for Saturday at the Place de la Concorde, with an altar constructed specifically for the event. Authorities have cordoned off significant areas around the Champs-Élysées to accommodate the anticipated influx of worshippers. The scale of the event is significant, with more than half a million people expected to attend the Paris gathering.

The spiritual itinerary extends beyond the capital to the sanctuary of Lourdes, where 150,000 people have already registered for Sunday's Mass. Other key events include:

• A Popemobile procession through the streets of Paris toward the Notre Dame cathedral.
• A gathering of 80,000 young people at the Stade de France on Friday evening.
• A visit to Metz to honor Robert Schuman, a founding father of the EU and a candidate for beatification.
• Meetings in Paris with migrant groups and in Lourdes with victims of clerical sexual abuse.

Is there a resurgence of Catholicism in a secularized France?

Despite the historical secularization of France, recent data suggests a nuanced shift in religious engagement. While less than half of the French population identifies as Catholic today, and the number of regular worshippers has dropped from 35% in 1960 to under 5% currently, there are emerging signs of spiritual interest. For instance, adult baptisms in France more than doubled over a five-year period, reaching 10,000 in 2025.

The decline in traditional institutional structures is also evident in the shrinking number of clergy. According to Church records, the number of priests in France has decreased by two-thirds, falling from 25,000 in 1990 to fewer than 9,000 today. However, religious leaders suggest that this institutional decline is accompanied by a search for deeper meaning among the populace.

The "spiritual void" and the role of the papacy

Cardinal François Bustillo, the Bishop of Ajaccio, has noted that while France has secularized, a "void" remains where traditional values and religious foundations once stood. He suggests that the Pope's visit serves as a reminder of cultural and spiritual roots for a population searching for purpose. Bustillo remarked that while previous popes like John Paul II "awoke the East," Leo XIV may play a similar role in "awaking the West" through this engagement with France.

What are the historical tensions between France and the Vatican?

The relationship between France and the Holy See has been historically fraught with political and territorial conflicts. Although France was traditionally called the "Eldest Daughter of the Church," this title is historically inaccurate, as Armenia, Georgia, and Ethiopia converted to Christianity before the French kingdom. The complexities of this relationship are rooted in centuries of power struggles.

Key historical points of tension include:

• The 14th-century Avignon Papacy, during which the papacy was held in exile in southern France.
• Centuries of French military intervention in Italian politics, where popes functioned as secular rulers.
• The era of Napoleon, during which two popes were held in captivity by French forces.

Modern visits, such as those by Pope Francis and John Paul II, represent a continuation of this long-standing, albeit evolving, diplomatic dialogue between the French Republic and the Vatican.

Key takeaways

• Pope Leo XIV warned that AI development must not lead to the loss of human dignity or the normalization of exploitation.
• The papal visit involves massive religious gatherings, including a 500,000-person Mass in Paris and 150,000 in Lourdes.
• French secularism remains a point of dialogue, with the Pope advocating for religion's place in the public sphere.
• Despite a decline in regular worshippers to under 5%, adult baptisms in France hit 10,000 in 2025.
• The number of priests in France has fallen from 25,000 in 1990 to fewer than 9,000 today.

FAQ: Pope Leo XIV visit to France

What is the Pope's main warning regarding AI?

Pope Leo XIV warns that humanity risks losing its essential character to a "paradise of machines." He advocates for the "disarming" of AI to prevent technological progress from leading to the normalization of human exploitation and the erosion of fundamental human rights.

How is French secularism being handled during the visit?

The visit maintains strict separation of state and religion. President Macron will not attend the Masses to respect laïcité, though his wife and the Prime Minister will attend. The Pope has emphasized that true secularism should allow religion to exist in the public sphere.

How many people are expected to attend the Pope's Masses?

The scale of attendance is massive. A major Mass in Paris at the Place de la Concorde is expected to draw over 500,000 people, while the Mass in Lourdes has seen 150,000 people sign up to attend.

What are the current trends in French Catholicism?

While regular worshipers have dropped to less than 5% of the population and priests have decreased significantly since 1990, there is a rise in interest, evidenced by adult baptisms doubling to 10,000 in 2025.

Who is Robert Schuman and why is the Pope visiting him?

Robert Schuman was a founding father of the European Union and a devout Catholic. Pope Leo XIV will pay tribute to him in Metz, noting Schuman's importance to both European unity and the Catholic faith as a candidate for beatification.