Pope Leo Begins Four-Day French Visit with Calls for Peace and AI Regulation

Pope Leo arrived in France on Friday for a whirlwind four-day visit, declaring his mission to serve as a pilgrim of peace for a world at war. During his journey—which includes stops in Paris, the Catholic shrine at Lourdes in the south-west, and Metz on the German border—the Pope is set to advocate for global regulations on artificial intelligence and share his vision for Europe's future.

Speaking aboard the plane to Paris, Pope Leo emphasized the urgency of his mission, stating, “It is a message that at this time, as we all may know, is particularly important.” Approximately 600,000 people have registered to attend an outdoor mass with the Pope in central Paris on Saturday, with crowds expected along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced on French broadcaster TF1 that roughly 37,000 security personnel will be deployed to protect the events.

Friday's itinerary features addresses by Pope Leo to President Emmanuel Macron and other French leaders at Elysee Palace, as well as to personnel at the headquarters of Unesco, the UN culture and education body facing budget deficits following the 2025 withdrawal of US President Donald Trump. As the first US pope, Leo drew criticism from Mr Trump earlier in the year after speaking out against the Iran war.

At Unesco, the Pope is expected to continue his focus on the dangers and governance of artificial intelligence. In a Vatican speech on Thursday, he noted that while AI can benefit humanity, it introduces “new dangers to security and international peace,” urging world leaders to oversee the technology wisely.

The visit arrives amid friction between Catholic leaders in France and the government following the 2024 inclusion of abortion rights in the French constitution and the passage of legislation this year permitting assisted dying for adults with terminal illnesses. The Catholic Church opposes abortion, assisted dying, and capital punishment, holding that all human life is sacred.

Pope Leo will also lead a prayer service in Paris on Friday at the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking the first papal visit there since the 2019 fire that nearly destroyed the structure. Marking the first official papal visit to France in nearly 20 years, Leo's tour will conclude in Metz on Sunday with an address on “the roots of Europe for peace and unity,” for which Mr Macron has invited leaders from all 27 EU member states.