Migrants “must be rescued,” Pope Francis urged during his visit to Marseille. During his speech, he denounced the heinous trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference towards the shipwrecked in the Mediterranean. For the sovereign pontiff, it is a duty of humanity and civilization to come to the aid of these people in distress.
Upon his arrival in Marseille, Pope Francis visited the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. He prayed in front of the memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants lost at sea, in the company of representatives of other faiths. This symbolic place bears witness to the drama experienced by many migrants during their attempted perilous crossing.
Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille aims to highlight the migration challenge facing Europe. In a context marked by growing hostility towards candidates for exile and policies of closure, the Pope wishes to plead the cause of the exiles. He wishes to denounce the discourse of rejection and promote a more open and humanitarian vision of welcoming migrants.
This trip comes at a crucial time, when the European Union has adopted an emergency plan to deal with the influx of migrants from North Africa. The Mediterranean route is considered the most dangerous in the world, with thousands of people missing since 2014. Pope Francis calls this tragedy “the largest cemetery in the world” and calls for action to avoid further tragedies.
Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille arouses varying reactions in France. Some, including among Catholic and conservative representatives, criticize his political interference and believe that he is doing too much in terms of taking a position on the migration issue. However, this visit is also eagerly awaited, with a significant mobilization of the faithful expected during the giant mass at the Vélodrome stadium.
Pope Francis will also close the Mediterranean Meetings, a series of meetings between bishops and young people devoted to themes such as economic inequalities, inter-religious dialogue and global warming. This initiative testifies to the Pope’s interest in the Mediterranean basin and his commitment to a more just and united world.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille highlights the migration crisis and calls for humanitarian and solidarity action towards migrants. As Europe faces growing challenges in welcoming exiles, Pope Francis is positioning himself in favor of a more open and humanitarian approach. This visit also marks the importance of solidarity and inter-religious dialogue in a world marked by divisions.