Article: Pope Francis launches urgent call for solidarity with migrants during his visit to Marseille
Pope Francis has begun a two-day visit to Marseille, marking the first visit by a pope to the city in 500 years. During his speech at the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, he launched an urgent call for solidarity with migrants, denouncing heinous trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference.
The sovereign pontiff stressed that “we can no longer witness the tragedies of shipwrecks caused by odious trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference.” He insisted on the duty of humanity and civilization incumbent on all to rescue people in distress at sea.
This statement from Pope Francis comes in a context where the migration issue has become increasingly worrying in Europe. Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean have claimed thousands of lives in recent years, making this migratory route the most dangerous in the world.
Pope Francis chose Marseille as the location of his visit in order to highlight the tragedy of migrants and to plead on their behalf. He stressed the importance of solidarity and welcome towards exiles, denouncing speeches of rejection and policies of closure.
The visit of Pope Francis has sparked various reactions in France, notably among certain political and religious figures who criticize his intervention in political affairs and his commitment to migrants.
However, this visit was also welcomed by many faithful and citizens who see in the presence of the Pope an opportunity to restore hope and ease tensions in a cosmopolitan city such as Marseille.
The highlight of Pope Francis’ visit will be a giant mass to be held at the Stade Vélodrome, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. This mass aims to bring together the faithful and reaffirm the importance of faith and solidarity in a world marked by divisions and conflicts.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille marks an urgent call for solidarity with migrants. Faced with the numerous tragedies in the Mediterranean, the sovereign pontiff recalls the responsibility of each of us to help people in danger and to show humanity and compassion. It is a necessary reminder in a world marked by indifference and closed policies.