RismadarVoice Reporters
September 27, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticised assisted dying, saying the practice should not be regarded as “normal” and warning that legal recognition does not necessarily make an act morally acceptable.
The pontiff made the remarks on Sunday during his visit to Lourdes, France, where he addressed sick and disabled people as part of his official visit to the country.
“No human law should ever make you lose the certainty of your dignity,” Pope Leo told the gathering.
He said human dignity remained inherent regardless of illness, disability or suffering and urged society to reject what he described as causing death under the guise of compassion.
“We must reject the temptation to cause death under the guise of false compassion. It is impossible to regard causing death as something normal. What is legal is not necessarily moral,” he said.
The Pope also appealed to healthcare professionals to remain focused on caring for people experiencing illness and suffering.
He urged healthcare workers to defend human life while supporting palliative care and medical research aimed at alleviating suffering.
His comments come amid debate over France’s recently enacted assisted-dying law.
The legislation establishes a right to assisted dying for people who meet specified conditions, including those suffering from a serious and incurable condition that threatens life.
France’s National Assembly finally adopted the legislation on July 15. The Constitutional Council subsequently ruled the measure constitutional on August 14 before it was promulgated into law on August 18, 2026.
The measure has faced opposition from the Catholic Church, which maintains that deliberately ending human life is incompatible with its teachings on human dignity and the protection of life.
Pope Leo’s remarks at Lourdes reinforced that position as he called for greater emphasis on accompanying and caring for people facing serious illness.
