Pope Francis, a very influential and respected figure around the world, is currently visiting Marseille for a two-day visit focused on the theme of migration and the Mediterranean. This visit arouses a lot of interest and does not fail to capture the attention of the international media.
Upon his arrival at Marseille-Provence airport, Pope Francis was welcomed by French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne. Despite his 86 years, the Pope showed impressive energy and expressed his enthusiasm for this important trip. He said he was determined to make his voice heard on the issue of cruelty towards migrants and the lack of humanity that reigns in the Mediterranean.
Pope Francis, aware of the dramatic situation of migrants who risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean, spoke of the tragic fate of those abandoned at sea, after having braved the desert and traffickers in Libya. He describes the Mediterranean as a “graveyard” and denounces with emotion the need to help these vulnerable people.
The sovereign pontiff also chose to pay his respects in front of the memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants missing at sea, located at the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. This symbolic decision aims to raise awareness around the world of the tragedy of the shipwrecks and the urgency of taking concrete measures to save lives at sea.
Beyond the migration theme, Pope Francis is also committed to the environmental cause. French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne took the opportunity of this meeting to give the pope the document on her government’s ecological planning. This initiative shows the common desire to take environmental and social issues into account in speeches and actions.
The visit of Pope Francis to Marseille is obviously eagerly awaited by the inhabitants of the region, as well as by religious and political leaders. The head of the Catholic Church is considered a moral leader and his positions on the major issues of our time resonate throughout the world.
On Saturday, the pope will deliver a speech at the Mediterranean Meetings, which bring together representatives of different religious confessions. He will also have the opportunity to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and preside over a mass at the Stade Vélodrome.
This visit of Pope Francis to Marseille is placed under high security, with the mobilization of nearly 6,000 members of the police. This measure reflects the importance of this visit and the impact it can have on international relations and political debates.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille to address the migration issue and the Mediterranean raises a lot of hope and expectation. The Pope’s positions on these crucial subjects demonstrate his commitment to the most vulnerable and his desire to change mentalities and policies. This visit will not fail to leave an impression and inspire concrete actions in favor of a more just and united world.