The choice of Pope Francis to favor a visit to Corsica at the long-awaited inauguration of the cathedral Notre Dame in Paris provokes strong reactions. Scheduled for December 15, this visit will mark a strong and meaningful moment, just as Paris prepares to celebrate the reopening of its emblematic building. While some see this decision as a disappointment for France, others detect a desire on the part of the Pope to get closer to religious traditions rooted in the Mediterranean.
Pope Francis chose not to attend the inauguration of the cathedral Notre Dame in Paris, scheduled for December 7, to visit Corsica on December 15. This decision sparked reactions among French bishops. Although some expressed displeasure, others stressed that the pope’s presence should not distract from the main event at Notre Dame. Francis, aged 87, will therefore make his first papal visit to Corsica, where he will participate in a conference on the Catholic faith in the Mediterranean, meeting in particular the president Emmanuel Macron during his stay.
The Pope decides to favor Corsica
The decision of Pope Francis to visit the Corsica instead of attending the inauguration of Notre Dame in Paris raised many questions. Indeed, this choice, which may seem surprising, takes place in a particular context. The region, deeply rooted in traditions Catholics, enjoys a reputation for spirituality and commitment, which could justify this visit. With approximately 90% of the population of Corsica being Catholic, the Pope seems to want to emphasize the religious roots of this place.
The reasons behind this choice
It is important to understand that this trip of the Pope does not represent just a simple pastoral journey. Francis, who will soon celebrate his 88th birthday, has always shown an interest in less established Catholic communities. By avoiding the significant event of Notre Dame, the Pope perhaps wishes to avoid drawing attention to himself, thus leaving Notre Dame shine at the center of the festivities. This approach is part of its intention to support interreligious dialogue and to bring a message of hope, particularly in a period when there are many challenges.
Reactions to this announcement
Echoes of this announcement were quick to be heard, with some bishops expressing their dissatisfaction. However, the president of the Conference of Bishops of France insisted that the real protagonist of this event must remain Notre Dame herself. The controversy surrounding this absence raises questions about the Pope’s priorities and his vision for the Church, particularly in the face of modern issues such as migration and global warming. His visit to Corsica is seen as an opportunity to bring a message of solidarity to the faithful of this impressive and spiritual region.
