French Bishops Convene to Challenge Assisted Dying Legislation
During their plenary assembly in Lourdes, the French bishops voiced their strong opposition to the new “end-of-life” bill proposed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government. Opening the session on March 18, the bishops collectively expressed their concerns about the bill, which seeks to legalize active assistance in dying under specific conditions. Their united stance was later articulated in a statement released on March 19, right after the proposal was forwarded to the Council of State for evaluation.
The bishops underscored their commitment to traditional care approaches, emphasizing palliative care over induced death. This stance aligns with the recommendations from the National Consultative Ethics Committee. During the assembly, the bishops called on French Catholics to deepen their engagement with the vulnerable segments of society, including the disabled, the elderly, and those nearing the end of life. They highlighted that the push for assisted suicide or euthanasia often stems from feelings of loneliness and abandonment, issues they believe society must address more compassionately and comprehensively.
Addressing Broader Issues and Supporting Abuse Victims
The assembly also tackled other significant issues, including the Church’s ongoing efforts to support victims of abuse. Discussions were planned around the monitoring of previously announced measures for victim support, including a session with the National Canonical Penal Tribunal. The bishops planned to review and potentially extend the mandate of the National Independent Instance of Recognition and Reparation (INIRR), emphasizing the Church’s long-term commitment to acknowledging and supporting abuse victims comprehensively.
In addition to these critical discussions, the assembly marked the 60th anniversary of the permanent diaconate with theological reflections to honor the contributions of deacons to the Church. Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort also acknowledged the support of the deacons’ families, which has been pivotal in their ministry. The assembly was set to conclude with decisions on several structural reforms within the Church, aiming to enhance its engagement with both ecclesiastical and civil communities.