Pope Francis calls for solidarity with migrants during his visit to Marseille
Pope Francis began a two-day visit to Marseille, where he denounced the heinous trafficking and indifference to the shipwrecks of migrants in the Mediterranean. He stressed that people at risk of drowning must be rescued, as it is a duty of humanity and civilization. During his visit, the pope plans to plead the cause of the exiles and denounce the discourse of rejection and the policies of closure in Europe.
This visit of the pope to Marseille has great symbolism, because it is the first visit of a pope to this city in 500 years. The choice of Marseille, a cosmopolitan city in the South of France, shows the importance given by Pope Francis to the migratory challenge and the question of exile. Despite criticism from certain Catholic and conservative representatives, Pope Francis is generating great enthusiasm, with tens of thousands of faithful expected during the high mass that he will preside over at the Vélodrome stadium.
This visit of the Pope to Marseille comes in a context marked by the recent arrival of thousands of migrants on the Italian island of Lampedusa, which pushed the European Union to adopt an emergency plan to manage migratory flows from from North Africa. The Mediterranean is considered the most dangerous migratory route in the world, with more than 28,000 people missing since 2014. Pope Francis speaks of it as the largest cemetery in the world, thus denouncing the dramas playing out at sea.
Beyond the migration issue, Pope Francis will also address other subjects during his visit to Marseille, such as economic inequalities, inter-religious dialogue and global warming. These recurring themes among the Pope reflect his interest in the Mediterranean basin and his commitment to a fairer and more united society.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille highlights his call for solidarity with migrants and his advocacy in favor of exiles. Beyond political debates and criticism, Pope Francis recalls the importance of treating the migration issue with humanity and building a more inclusive society. Its presence in Marseille marks a turning point in the history of the city and arouses a certain enthusiasm among the faithful.