Pope Leo begins a France visit Friday, expected to call for global AI rules and meet seven survivors of Catholic clergy abuse in Lourdes on Sunday. About 600,000 people have registered for an outdoor Mass with him in Paris on Saturday.
A 2021 report found that some 330,000 French children had been abused by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades. French bishops have since introduced compensation and safeguarding measures, but survivors continue to press the Church for accountability.
Leo is due to speak to French leaders and UNESCO in Paris, where AI is expected to feature. On Thursday, he said AI could benefit humanity but also brought new dangers to security and international peace. His itinerary includes a prayer service at Notre-Dame and a final speech in Metz on Europe’s roots in peace and unity.
