Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming fifth international Apostolic Journey to France and UNESCO, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin outlined the core mission of the papal visit. Speaking on the significance of the trip, Cardinal Parolin highlighted the “diplomacy of encounter” and the need for creative, dialogue-driven efforts to steer Europe away from a logic of violence while renewing its foundational Christian roots.
Centering around the motto “That the world may have life,” the visit aims to address critical contemporary issues, including the protection of human life, peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and European identity. Cardinal Parolin explained that the journey’s theme encompasses three key dimensions: the sanctity of natural life from conception to natural death amidst declining birth rates, the growing spiritual hunger evident among France’s rising number of young adult catechumens, and the innate creative vitality of the human person—exemplified by the historic restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
A central highlight of the trip will be the Pope’s address at UNESCO, where he will emphasize education and culture as essential instruments for global peace. Referencing the Encyclical Magnifica humanitas, Cardinal Parolin called for a transition from a “culture of power” to a “culture of negotiation.” He noted that while politics builds institutions and manages conflicts, culture and education act earlier by shaping consciences and fostering mutual understanding before divisions deepen.
Finally, the Secretary of State underscored the contribution of Christian thought in an increasingly technological age. As artificial intelligence and rapid tech advances reshape modern society, the Church seeks to deepen the dialogue between faith and reason to protect human dignity. Cardinal Parolin expressed hope that the Pope’s journey would serve as an open workshop of thought and action, uniting believers and non-believers alike toward integral human development and a “civilization of love.”