Leo XIV at the Élysée: plea for “just secularism”
The pope highlighted the role of Catholics in secular society during his visit to France.
Quick Look
During an intervention at the Élysée, Pope Leo XIV pleaded for “just secularism” allowing Catholics to contribute to the common good without being excluded from the public space, refuting the idea that the Christian faith threatens national unity.
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Why It Matters
Pope Leo XIV makes an official visit to France. He spoke in front of the President of the Republic and personalities at the Élysée.
For the first intervention of his visit to France, Leo “A just secularism does not consist of excluding religion from the public space or from education,” the Pope stressed, “but of working so that the State and religious institutions dialogue together and join forces in the service of the common good, so that the world has life.”
In the eyes of the head of the Catholic Church, this “just secularism” is not an offense against the separation of Churches and State: “The Christian involved in public life, and acting according to the light of his conscience enlightened by faith, cannot be considered as a proselyte or a threat to the unity of the homeland”. A second time, he insisted: “the…
Open Questions
- What will be the official reaction of the French government?
