The highlight of Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille in September 2023 was undoubtedly his giant mass at the Vélodrome stadium. Tens of thousands of people, including President Emmanuel Macron, gathered to attend this celebration which sparked strong reactions.
Upon his arrival at the stadium, Pope Francis was greeted like a rock star by the cheering crowd. Greeted by French, Marseille and Vatican flags, the pontiff opened the mass in French by saying a warm “Hello Marseille, hello France!”
Installed on the stage in the middle of the stadium, Pope Francis delivered a poignant homily in which he denounced the “tragic rejection of human life” of which many migrants are victims. His message of welcome and compassion towards migrants was hammered home throughout his journey, sparking strong political reactions.
Emmanuel Macron’s presence at this mass was criticized by certain left-wing elected officials in the name of secularism, while far-right elected officials chose to boycott the event because of the Pope’s positions on the migration issue. Despite these controversies, nearly 60,000 people invaded the stadium stands, in an atmosphere that was both solemn and warm.
Pope Francis’ visit to Marseille was marked by strong statements on the situation of migrants in the Mediterranean. Denouncing the “fear” and “indifference” surrounding this subject, the Holy Father pleaded for the integration of migrants rather than assimilation, stressing that the latter fueled hostility and intolerance.
Ultimately, the giant mass at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille will remain as one of the highlights of Pope Francis’ visit to France. Beyond the political controversies, this event allowed the Sovereign Pontiff to recall the need to welcome and support migrants, a message of openness and fraternity which still resonates today.
Sources:
– Article from September 24, 2023 from France Info, “Pope Francis celebrates a giant mass at the Stade du Vélodrome, in Marseille”
– Article from September 23, 2023 from La Provence, “The Pope celebrated a giant mass at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille”