Pope Leo Warns of 'Paradise of Machines' on First Papal Visit to France in 18 Years

Pope Leo's arrival in France for a four-day visit marks the first papal trip to the nation in 18 years. On the first day, President Emmanuel Macron greeted him at the presidential palace. During his address, the pope warned that humanity risks losing its way "amid a paradise of machines invading and conditioning our daily lives," emphasizing the need for urgent education in ethical discernment. This visit takes place in a nation that has maintained a strict separation of church and state since 1905. Leo argued that "authentic secularity" should not exclude religion from public life, advocating for a dialogue between state and religious institutions to serve the common good. He leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, highlighting the intersection of technology, ethics, and education in a secular France.