Pope Francis recently concluded his trip dedicated to migrants with a giant mass organized at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille. This event, attended by tens of thousands of people, including President Emmanuel Macron, sparked contrasting reactions.
In his homily, Pope Francis strongly denounced the “tragic rejection of human life” that many migrants face today. He thus reaffirmed his message of welcome towards migrants, calling for people to fight against the fear and indifference that surround them.
This gathering at the Vélodrome stadium marked the end of a visit by Pope Francis to Marseille, where he also met officials from the NGO SOS Méditerranée, involved in rescuing migrants at sea. This meeting testifies to the commitment of the pope in favor of solidarity and protection of the rights of migrants.
However, the presence of Emmanuel Macron at this mass was criticized by certain left-wing elected officials in the name of respect for secularism. In addition, far-right elected officials preferred to boycott the event because of the Pope’s speech on migrants. This controversy highlights the sensitivity of the subject of migration in France and the polarization of debates around the issue.
In terms of security, an “extraordinary” system has been deployed to ensure the protection of participants in this giant mass. More than 6,000 members of the police as well as a thousand private security agents were mobilized.
Many Christians of different faiths as well as members of other religions were present in the crowd, reflecting the diversity of French society. This mass was also an opportunity for many families and young people to come together in a spirit of calm and peace.
In conclusion, the giant mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille marked an important step in his journey dedicated to migrants. His message of welcome and solidarity towards migrants was both praised and criticized, highlighting the divergent points of view on this sensitive issue.