Are you looking for the latest news and hot topics? In this article, we will talk about the arrival of Pope Francis in Marseille for a two-day visit devoted mainly to the theme of migration and the Mediterranean.
Pope Francis, at the age of 86, landed at Marseille-Provence airport in Marignane shortly after 4 p.m. local time. Welcomed by French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, the sovereign pontiff spoke about the massive arrivals of migrants in Lampedusa, denouncing the cruel fate reserved for them in the Mediterranean. According to him, the sea has become a “graveyard” where many lives are lost.
Pope Francis considers Marseille a door or window to the Mediterranean and hopes to have the courage to share his message during this visit. Sensitive to the environmental cause, he also spoke with Élisabeth Borne about the French government’s ecological planning.
The first stop of his visit was the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, where he prayed with the clergy and representatives of other faiths in front of the memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants missing at sea. Pope Francis chose this stele to draw attention to the Mediterranean as a “source of life” and launched an appeal not to get used to the tragedies of shipwrecks and to act to save the most vulnerable.
The next day, Pope Francis will deliver the closing speech of the third Mediterranean Meetings and meet French President Emmanuel Macron. Before leaving for Rome, he will also take a popemobile ride along Avenue du Prado and preside over a mass at the Vélodrome stadium.
This visit by Pope Francis to Marseille is placed under high security, with nearly 6,000 members of the police mobilized to ensure his protection. The visit of the head of the Catholic Church provokes varied reactions in France, with some criticism from the right concerning his “interference” in migration issues.
Stay up to date with the latest news from Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille and follow the developments of this historic visit in the coming days. Be ready to discover the messages and actions of the sovereign pontiff on the migration issue and the Mediterranean.