Pope Francis begins a two-day visit to Marseille, where he urges the need to rescue migrants in distress in the Mediterranean. During his speech at the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, the sovereign pontiff denounced the “odious trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference” which endanger the lives of these people in search of a better life. The Pope insists on the duty of humanity and civilization incumbent on all to help these shipwrecked people.
This visit of Pope Francis to Marseille takes on a symbolic dimension due to the migratory situation currently prevailing in Europe. As hostility towards migrants increases and some countries choose to close their borders, Pope Francis pleads in favor of welcoming exiles and denounces discourse of rejection. His message echoes the urgency of the migration crisis in the Mediterranean, where thousands of people risk their lives every year to try to reach Europe.
This visit also marks a historic first, since it is the first visit of a pope to Marseille in 500 years. The presence of Pope Francis in Marseille, a cosmopolitan city rich in cultural and religious diversity, underlines the importance of the cohabitation of different communities and faiths. The Pope thus wants to highlight the drama of migrant shipwrecks and defend the cause of exiles, while recalling that commitment to humanity and solidarity transcends religious and cultural borders.
The highlight of this visit will be the high mass that the Pope will preside at the Vélodrome stadium, in the presence of President Emmanuel Macron. Despite the decline of Catholicism in France, the pope’s visit arouses great enthusiasm, with tens of thousands of faithful expected. This demonstrates the interest and impact that Pope Francis can have, particularly on questions of society and humanitarian commitment. This visit is an opportunity for the Pope to close the Mediterranean Meetings, a meeting between bishops and young people which addresses themes such as economic inequalities, inter-religious dialogue and global warming.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille highlights the need to welcome and rescue migrants in distress. Its message of solidarity and commitment to exiles resonates all the more in the current context of the migration crisis. The Pope highlights the duty of humanity and civilization that falls to each of us, whatever our religious or cultural affiliation. This historic visit is an opportunity to recall the importance of peaceful cohabitation and mutual respect in a diverse and plural society.