Pope Francis has embarked on his 47th apostolic journey, visiting Corsica for a day of spiritual, cultural, and diplomatic events on Sunday 15th December.
As is customary before big travels, Pope Francis asked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to ensure the success of his voyage.
On Saturday afternoon, he went to the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome to pray in front of the icon of Salus Populi Romani, the Roman people’s defender. This antique artwork has long been a source of devotion for the Pope, who frequently entrusts his missions abroad to the Virgin Mary’s guidance.
Pope Francis left Rome’s Fiumicino Airport the next day, boarding a papal flight bound for Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital.
Before departing Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican apartment, the Pope greeted a group of homeless people who sleep under the colonnades of St Peter’s Square.
During the trip, Pope Francis delivered a message to Italian President Sergio Mattarella, reflecting on the Mediterranean region’s rich cultural and spiritual history. He described the region as a crossroads of civilisations that have upheld their faith-based ideals despite decades of adversity.
The Pope expressed hope that the tour will promote greater solidarity, interreligious discussion, and shared responsibility for the Mediterranean’s future.
At 9 am, the papal plane landed at Ajaccio’s “Napoléon Bonaparte” Airport, where the Pope was enthusiastically received by local religious and civic officials, including Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Apostolic Nuncio in France.
The Pope’s first stop after leaving the airport was the Early Christian Baptistery of Saint-Jean, an archaeological marvel from the sixth century.
This mediaeval site, located in Ajaccio’s Saint-Jean area, was uncovered during an excavation in 2005. It includes a cross-shaped baptismal basin and a smaller basin that is said to have been used for washing catechumens’ feet before baptism. The Pope paused to pray at the site, which is now housed in an antiquarium where tourists may examine its features under carefully created lighting.
Crowds of faithful flocked along the streets to catch a glimpse of the Pope, while others lined balconies and windows to encourage him.
During his one-day visit to Corsica, Pope Francis participated in a number of important events that demonstrated his objective of promoting dialogue and appreciating cultural heritage. He gave a keynote lecture at the Conference on Popular Religiosity in the Mediterranean, emphasising the region’s spiritual and cultural relevance.
The Pope also met with Corsican clergy and religious leaders to provide guidance and encouragement in their pastoral work, as well as presided over a public Holy Mass attended by vast throngs of believers.
The Pope concluded his tour by speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron about unity, interfaith collaboration, and religious freedom. These activities demonstrated the Pope’s dedication to establishing bridges between cultures and faiths.
By dusk, Pope Francis had boarded his return trip to Rome, capping off his one-day journey.
Sors: Newsbook Malta