Pope Leo XIV defends human dignity against euthanasia

Pope Leo XIV has expressed strong opposition to euthanasia, arguing that human dignity must be protected against practices that end life. During a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Pontiff stated, “It is impossible to consider normal the fact of putting an end to life. What is legal is not necessarily moral.”

Addressing patients and healthcare workers, the Pope urged medical professionals to act as “passionate servants of life” by focusing on palliative care and research rather than eliminating suffering through death. His comments follow the recent passage of legislation in France regarding the right to assisted dying, which allows eligible adults with incurable, life-threatening illnesses to request assistance.

In a separate context regarding religious and legal ethics, the Pope also addressed the misuse of religion to justify violence, stating that invoking God to legitimize oppression is a “profanation.” This message intersects with legal discussions in Colombia, where the Constitutional Court maintains that fundamental human rights are inherent to human dignity and exist independently of the State.