Pope visits UNESCO in Paris

Pope Leo XIV arrived at UNESCO headquarters on the first day of his apostolic journey to France, September 25 to 28, following meetings with President Macron and diplomatic representatives.

Following John Paul II's legacy

Pope Leo XIV echoed St John Paul II, who became the first Pope to speak at UNESCO on June 2, 1980. The Holy See has maintained a Permanent Observer Mission to UNESCO since 1952.

“man lives a truly human life thanks to culture”

Education must address life's meaning

The Pope argued that education cannot be reduced to acquiring skills or material advancement. No education is complete if it fails to address the question of life's meaning.

“No education can be considered complete if it fails to address the question of life's meaning”

Human dignity versus efficiency

The Pope warned of a paradox where artificial intelligence systems are called intelligent while humans are judged by productivity. Meaning, he said, is the oxygen of the mind.

“Meaning is the oxygen of the mind”

Science needs ethical grounding

Scientific progress separated from wisdom becomes a weapon, the Pope said. Culture subjected to ideology becomes propaganda, and education detached from truth manipulates consciences.

Peace requires shared values

Peace cannot be built by treaties alone, the Pope said. Genuine peace must arise from justice and an upright will that recognizes others as brothers and sisters.

“Peace cannot be built by treaties alone”

Communion preserves diversity

Using biblical images, the Pope contrasted Babel, which represents imposed unity through domination, with Pentecost, which enables diversity to flourish in harmony.

“Communion in no way suppresses diversity”

Trust is essential but rare

The Pope identified trust as a virtue greatly desired but rarely found in international institutions. Trust means believing differences are not threats and honest dialogue serves the common good.

“Trust that differences do not necessarily constitute a threat”

Education and truth build peace

The Pope concluded by linking education, science and culture to peace-building. Every child born is a sign of hope, and every person seeking truth performs an act of hope.