French pediatrician Aldo Naouri dies at the age of 88

Wednesday 20 May 2026 - 11:30

The renowned French pediatrician Aldo Naouri has died at the age of 88, marking the end of a long medical and intellectual career focused on child health and family relationships.

Born in Benghazi, in present-day Libya, before the Second World War, Naouri grew up in a large family and later pursued medical studies in France. After qualifying as a doctor, he established his pediatric practice in Paris, where he worked for several decades before retiring in 2002.

Throughout his career, Naouri became known not only for his medical work but also for his writings on parenting, education, and family dynamics. His publications explored the psychological dimensions of child development and the importance of parental authority, making him a well-known public intellectual in France.

Deeply interested in psychology and psychoanalysis, he integrated these perspectives into his medical practice and even underwent psychoanalytic training. His approach often emphasized the emotional and relational aspects of medicine, particularly in pediatrics.

He is also the father of several well-known cultural figures, including writer Agnès Desarthe and opera singer Laurent Naouri.