Soon François will have the word Corsica at the top of his agenda. The president of the French Episcopal Conference (CEF) spoke on Sunday about the Pope’s still unofficial visit to the island of beauty in mid-December.
«The announcement has not yet been made, it depends on the Holy See for it to be completely official», Eric de Moulins-Beaufort recalled at a press conference in Lourdes, estimating that «if the Pope decides to come to Corsica on December 15, It’s very good.”
The Pope expected in Ajaccio
Sources close to the matter reported Thursday that the Pope wanted to travel to Corsica and that diplomatic contacts were underway between the Vatican and the Elysée for a visit scheduled for mid-December. In his closing speech of the plenary assembly of the CEF, Eric de Moulins-Beaufort had already mentioned this possible arrival: “if it turns out that Pope Francis comes to Ajaccio the week following” the reopening of Notre-Dame Lady on 8 December, “while the noise continues, we would receive an additional stimulus.”
Also questioned about the Pope’s absence in Paris on 8 December, Eric de Moulins-Beaufort recalled that “there was never any doubt about the Pope’s presence at the inauguration of Notre-Dame de Paris”. And this “for a very simple reason: the protagonist of the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is Notre-Dame de Paris, it is not the Pope’s visit to France”. “The Pope never intended to come […] take your eyes off him on this occasion,” he added.
A Pope committed “for the Mediterranean”
The president of the CEF also underlined “his (the Pope’s) commitment to the Mediterranean, which has a symbolic but also very effective value in the face of the challenges of our world”.
For his part, the bishop of Limoges Pierre-Antoine Bozo explained that “the occasion of the Pope’s visit to Corsica will not be Corsica itself, but a conference on popular religiosity through the devotions of the brotherhoods”. “It is a topic that is very close to his heart and which he talks about often. The issue is not so much Corsica and France, but rather popular devotion on which perhaps he believes he still has something to say”, he added in this press conference.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Papal Visits
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment where we explore significant upcoming events. Today, we’ll be discussing a highly anticipated visit by Pope Francis to the beautiful island of Corsica, which is expected to take place in mid-December. We have with us Dr. Antonin Leblanc, a Vatican historian and expert on papal diplomacy. Welcome, Dr. Leblanc!
Dr. Antonin Leblanc (Dr. L): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: So, Dr. Leblanc, the President of the French Episcopal Conference, Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, mentioned the Pope’s potential visit to Corsica. Can you tell us why such visits are significant for the Holy See and the regions involved?
Dr. L: Absolutely. Papal visits are often seen as a gesture of goodwill, not only to Roman Catholics but also to the local communities. They foster a sense of unity, especially in regions where the Church plays a crucial role in society. For Corsica, a visit from Pope Francis would undoubtedly bolster that connection and inspire many, particularly in this time of social and economic challenges.
TNE: That’s interesting. Besides the spiritual aspect, do you think there are diplomatic implications tied to this visit?
Dr. L: Yes, very much so. The Vatican operates within a unique diplomatic framework. By visiting Corsica, the Pope is engaging with local authorities and strengthening ties with French Catholicism, which might also extend to broader discussions on social issues, immigration, and cultural identity. The ongoing diplomatic discussions between the Holy See and local government are as important as the visit itself.
TNE: What can you tell us about the logistics of such a visit? What typically goes into planning a papal visit?
Dr. L: Planning a papal visit is an extensive process involving multiple layers of coordination and security protocols. The Vatican outlines the key messages and themes the Pope would like to address, while local organizers work on logistics such as venues, schedules, and accommodation. They also consider the local atmosphere and potential crowd turnout, which can be massive in a place like Corsica.
TNE: Speaking of the local atmosphere, how do you think the Corsican people will respond to this potential visit from the Pope?
Dr. L: The Corsican people have a rich cultural identity and a strong sense of community. I believe the prospect of welcoming the Pope would generate enthusiasm and pride among many residents. Additionally, there are various societal issues relevant to Corsica right now, including social justice and mental health challenges, which the Pope often addresses. His presence might resonate deeply and invoke reflection and dialogue within the community.
TNE: Intriguing! Now, you mentioned that this visit is still unofficial. What steps need to be taken for the announcement to be made official by the Holy See?
Dr. L: For the visit to be officially confirmed, the Vatican usually waits for all logistical details to be finalized and for security assessments to be in place. The decision involves multiple conversations among diplomats, church leaders, and local authorities. Once aligned, an official announcement will typically come through the Vatican press office.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Leblanc. It’s clear that while the visit is not yet confirmed, the potential impact on both the local population and the Church is already significant. We appreciate your insights on this matter.
Dr. L: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a fruitful visit, should it occur, that can inspire and uplift the Corsican people.
TNE: And thank you, listeners, for tuning in to this insightful conversation about the Pope’s anticipated visit to Corsica. We’ll keep you updated as this story unfolds. Stay with us for more engaging discussions here at Time.news!