Pope Francis Reiterates Opposition to Assisted Dying in Address to French Lawmakers

Speaking at the Vatican, the Pope urged lawmakers to prioritize palliative care as France prepares to debate a proposed assisted dying law.

Pope Francis addressed 150 French parliamentarians at the Vatican, urging them to advocate for natural end-of-life care over legalizing assisted dying.
The Pope emphasized the development of palliative care as a compassionate alternative to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
The French National Assembly is set to debate a proposed assisted dying law in early 2025, reviving a long-standing societal and political discussion.
The proposed legislation, initially introduced by the previous government, includes strict conditions for legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia but remains contentious under the current administration.
The Pope has consistently criticized assisted dying, previously describing it as a 'hideous form of compassion' and reaffirming the sanctity of life in all circumstances.