In the first words of his speech, the sovereign pontiff praises the historical influence of the country: "For centuries, France has shined as a cultural, artistic and spiritual beacon. With its cathedral schools, its universities, its academies, France has contributed to forging the intelligence of its populations, well beyond its borders." Pope Leo XIV also warns against the risk of losing “our humanity in the middle of the “paradise of machines” which invade and condition our daily lives.”