Paris: The Catholic Church in France has expressed deep disappointment after the French National Assembly gave its final approval to a law creating a legal right to assisted dying. Church leaders said the decision marks a major shift in the country's long standing approach to healthcare, which they believe should focus on easing suffering and supporting people until the natural end of life rather than intentionally causing death.
The legislation was approved by the National Assembly on the evening of July 15 after nearly four years of public and political debate. Throughout the discussions, the Catholic Church consistently opposed the proposal, arguing that no person should deliberately bring about the death of another.
Soon after the law was passed, the French Bishops' Conference released a statement signed by its president and two vice presidents. The bishops described the decision as a source of sorrow and concern, saying the new law could have far reaching consequences for French society. They warned that it may gradually change the way people view old age, disability, serious illness and human vulnerability.
The bishops also noted that the Church had actively taken part in discussions during the legislative process. Drawing on centuries of experience in caring for the sick, the dying and their families, they said they had tried to offer practical and ethical perspectives on end of life care. Despite the law's approval, they stressed that their efforts are not over and that several legal options remain available.
Speaking to Vatican News, Bishop Mathieu Rougé of Nanterre, who serves as the French Bishops' Conference spokesperson on end of life issues, said one of the Church's biggest concerns is the lack of legal protection for Catholic healthcare institutions.
He explained that while the new law allows doctors to refuse participation through a conscience clause, it does not provide the same protection for pharmacists. In cases where assisted suicide takes place at home, pharmacists may be required to supply the lethal substance, placing them in a difficult ethical position.
Bishop Rougé said an even greater concern is that hospitals and care facilities with religious or ethical principles opposing euthanasia may still be required to allow the practice within their institutions. He argued that the issue goes beyond individual conscience because institutions themselves also have ethical identities that deserve legal recognition and protection.
The bishop said the French government had previously offered assurances to the Catholic Church regarding this matter, but those promises have not yet been fulfilled. As a result, many Catholic healthcare providers are now worried about how the law will affect their work.
He pointed to institutions run by religious communities, including the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villeneuve and the Jeanne Garnier care centre in Paris. These organisations have long provided care for the elderly, the seriously ill and people nearing the end of life. The Church hopes that legal appeals in the coming weeks will secure exemptions allowing such institutions to continue operating according to their founding values.
Bishop Rougé also warned that it is impossible to predict all the long term effects of the legislation. He said society must remain alert because the conditions for eligibility under assisted dying laws can gradually expand over time. He added that special attention should be given to people who are isolated, elderly, disabled or facing serious illness, as they may feel alone when making decisions about the end of their lives.
The bishop said the Christian response should not be limited to opposing the legislation. Instead, he called on Christians to strengthen their commitment to caring for vulnerable people through practical acts of compassion, friendship and support. He said genuine human solidarity is the best answer to the loneliness and suffering that can sometimes lead people to consider ending their lives.
Looking ahead, Bishop Rougé also spoke about the expected visit of Pope Leo XIV to France in two months. He said he believes the Pope will address the issue clearly while encouraging Christians to continue supporting those who are most vulnerable.
The bishop referred to Pope Leo's recent statements defending the right to life from conception until natural death. He also highlighted the Vatican's 2020 document Samaritanus bonus, which strongly opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide while promoting compassionate care for the seriously ill.
Although Church leaders said they would have preferred to welcome the Pope under different legislative circumstances, they believe his message will offer guidance and encouragement to Catholics and to French society as the country begins implementing the new law. According to the bishops, their mission now is to continue defending the dignity of every human life while expanding care and support for those facing illness, loneliness and the challenges of the final stage of life.