December 15th 2024.
On a beautiful Sunday morning in Corsica, Pope Francis arrived for the first ever papal visit to the French island. The pontiff called for a dynamic form of laicism, recognizing the unique blend of popular piety and secularism that sets Corsica apart from the rest of France. He emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between religious and civic society, promoting cooperation between civil and ecclesial authorities.
Despite his recent fall and a faded bruise still visible on his face, Pope Francis appeared relaxed and energized. During Mass at La Place d’Austerlitz, he deviated from his prepared homily to remark on the large number of children present, a sight he said he had only previously seen in East Timor. He encouraged the people of Corsica to "make children," reminding them that children bring joy and hope for the future.
Earlier in the day, Pope Francis attended a conference on popular piety, where he discussed the concept of secularity as "evolving and dynamic," able to adapt to unforeseen situations. He stressed the importance of expressions of popular piety, such as processions and communal prayer, in promoting constructive citizenship among Christians. However, he also warned against these practices being seen as mere folklore or superstition.
The pope's visit to Corsica's capital, Ajaccio, was brief, lasting only nine hours on the ground. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron and held a private meeting before returning to Rome. On the dais, he was joined by Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo, who organized the conference and brought together participants from other Mediterranean regions such as Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, and southern France.
Corsica, known as the birthplace of Napoleon, is a devout region with a strong sense of popular piety. It is home to 92 confraternities, with over 4,000 members, dedicated to works of charity and piety. According to Bustillo, there is a strong collaboration between civil and religious authorities in Corsica, with no ideological hostility present.
The pope's visit was met with great enthusiasm and signs of popular piety. Children dressed in traditional garb greeted him, and he was continuously serenaded by bands and choirs throughout the day. As he traveled to the 17th-century cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, he stopped to light a devotional candle at the statue of the "Madunnuccia," a local name for the Virgin Mary. Thousands lined the roads to catch a glimpse of the pontiff, and many waved from their windows.
One attendee, Renè Colombani, traveled by ship with 2,000 others from northern Corsica to see the pope. He expressed that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, as it may be the only time the pope will visit Corsica. The island, closer to the Italian mainland than France, was ceded to France in 1768.
In his meeting with clergy at the cathedral, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of promoting peace, non-violence, and respect for human rights. He also expressed concern for the situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The pope and Macron also discussed issues in Syria, expressing their desire for a fair and inclusive political transition.
Before departing for Rome, Pope Francis declined to hold a press conference on the plane, breaking from tradition in his 47 foreign trips as pope. However, he did come to the back of the plane to greet reporters and received a pretend birthday cake, as his 88th birthday was just two days away.
As the brief but meaningful visit to Corsica came to an end, the pope left a lasting impression on the people of the island. His message of promoting cooperation between religious and civic authorities and his emphasis on popular piety as a bridge between the two resonated with the people of Corsica. And as the pope departed, the island was left with a sense of joy and hope for the future.
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