The first-ever papal visit to Corsica took place on Sunday, as Pope Francis emphasized the need for a vibrant form of laicism. This approach aims to foster a sense of connection between religion and civic society, contrasting with the typical secular environment of France. During this special one-day visit, coming just two days ahead of his 88th birthday, the Pope appeared lively and engaged, despite showing a slight bruise from a recent fall.
During his Mass at the outdoor venue of La Place d’Austerlitz, he often strayed from his prepared remarks, sharing his observation of the multitude of children present in Corsica, a sight he humorously noted was only comparable to his recent visit to East Timor. He urged the congregation, “Make children. They will be your joy and your consolation in the future.”
At the conclusion of a Mediterranean gathering focused on popular piety, Pope Francis, referred to as Papa Francescu in Corsican, shared his vision of a fluid and evolving secularism. He explained that this concept can adapt to unexpected challenges and encourage collaboration between civil and ecclesiastical authorities. He underscored the significance of popular piety expressions like processions and communal Rosary prayers, arguing that they can contribute positively to active citizenship among Christians, while also cautioning against relegating these practices to mere folklore or superstition.
The Pope’s brief visit to Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital and the birthplace of Napoleon, lasted only about nine hours and included a short meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed the pontiff at the airport before his flight back to Rome. Accompanying the Pope was Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo, the bishop of Ajaccio, who organized the conference drawing about 400 participants from regions including Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, and southern France. This two-day event focused on various forms of faith expressed outside of scheduled liturgies, such as processions and pilgrimages.
Corsica is known for its strong sense of devotion, standing apart from the secular nature of mainland France. The region boasts 92 confraternities, which are lay associations dedicated to charitable and pious work, totaling over 4,000 members. Bustillo remarked on the harmonious relationship between civil and religious authorities, stating, “There is no hostility between the two. And that is a very positive aspect because in Corsica there is no ideological hostility.”
Symbols of popular piety were evident throughout the visit, with the Pope welcomed by children in traditional attire and accompanied by singing groups, integral to Corsican culture. Those eager to see him included Renè Colombani, who traveled with 2,000 others by ship from northern Corsica. He expressed the significance of the event, saying, “It may be the only time that the pope will come to Corsica.”
Following the conference, Pope Francis visited the 17th-century cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, making a stop at the statue of the Madunnuccia, where he lit a candle. The Mass was celebrated beneath the statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, the emperor responsible for significant historical shifts in relationship to the papacy. Thousands gathered in the esplanade where Napoleon’s early life unfolded.
Their private meeting at the airport allowed Francis and Macron to converse on various pressing global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, Middle Eastern conflicts, as well as security matters in Africa. Both the Pope and Macron expressed deep concern regarding the situation in Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and sufficient humanitarian aid. They also addressed the need for an inclusive political transition in Syria.
Prior to his departure, Macron gifted Pope Francis two books on Notre Dame Cathedral. Notably, the Pope opted not to attend the official reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris earlier this month, as his visit to Corsica aligned more closely with his focus on outreach to less privileged areas.
This trip marked Pope Francis’s third visit to France, consistently steering clear of Paris and its ceremonial expectations. Previous trips include a visit to Marseille in 2023 for a bishops’ summit and a stay in Strasbourg in 2014 to speak to the European Parliament.
Corsica, which has a population exceeding 340,000, has been part of France since 1768. However, it has experienced its own share of separatist tensions and has an active nationalist community. Recently, President Macron proposed granting a degree of autonomy to the island. Due to the brief journey back to Rome, Pope Francis did not hold an in-flight press conference, marking a first during his papacy in 47 international trips, although he did take time to greet reporters on board the plane.
