Pope Leo XIV Condemns Euthanasia and Warns Against the Destruction of a “Civilization of Love”

In a message issued for the Day for Life, Pope Leo XIV strongly criticized legislative proposals to legalize assisted suicide in the United Kingdom and Ireland, emphasizing the danger of undermining the fundamental moral foundations of society. This was reported by the French Catholic online portal Tribune Chrétienne.

Addressing both the faithful and society at large, Pope Leo XIV warned against legislative initiatives that erode respect for human life. He particularly stressed the danger of legalizing euthanasia, reminding that true compassion is not about eliminating the suffering person but supporting them with love and spiritual care.
“We must defend, not destroy, a civilization founded on genuine love and true compassion,” the message states.

The Pontiff expressed concern that the British Parliament plans to revisit the assisted suicide bill on June 20. In Ireland, where abortion was legalized in 2018, official data shows that over 10,000 abortions were registered in 2023.

Pope Leo XIV called on Christians to remain faithful to the Gospel and to witness to the dignity of every human person:
“His Holiness prays that through our common witness to the dignity God bestows on each person without exception, and through the tender compassion of Christ toward the seriously ill, all of society may be inspired to defend, rather than undermine, true compassion.”

It was previously reported that Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his commitment to the idea of unifying the date of Easter celebration — an initiative previously supported by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The Pontiff believes that the First Ecumenical Council, whose anniversary is celebrated this year, should serve as an example and foundation for further ecumenical dialogue.