Title: Pope Francis’ mass at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille: a strong message in favor of welcoming migrants
Introduction :
Pope Francis closed his trip dedicated to migrants with a giant mass at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille, attracting tens of thousands of people, including President Emmanuel Macron. This ceremony was an opportunity for the Pope to deliver a powerful message in favor of welcoming migrants, denouncing the tragic rejection of human life suffered by many of them. In this article, we will return to this significant event and the reactions it provoked.
A warm welcome for Pope Francis:
Upon his arrival at the stadium, Pope Francis was greeted like a true rock star by the crowd, waving French and Vatican flags. He opened the ceremony by sending a warm greeting to Marseille and to France. Throughout his journey in the popemobile, the crowd showed him enthusiastic support, testifying to the importance of his visit to this city.
A strong message in favor of migrants:
In his homily, Pope Francis addressed the hot topic of the migration crisis in Europe. He deplored the fear and indifference that often surround the fate of migrants, calling for a more humane and supportive welcome. He also stressed the importance of integrating migrants into society, rather than seeking to assimilate them, in order to preserve their dignity and promote a harmonious future.
Reactions to the presence of Emmanuel Macron:
The presence of French President Emmanuel Macron during the mass has sparked criticism from some left-wing elected officials, who believe that it goes against secularism. On the other hand, far-right elected officials chose to boycott the ceremony because of the Pope’s positions on the issue of migrants. This controversy highlights the persistent tensions around this sensitive subject.
A reinforced security system:
Pope Francis’ mass at the Vélodrome stadium required exceptional security. Nearly 6,000 members of the police were mobilized, accompanied by a thousand private security agents. This precaution aimed to ensure the smooth running of the event, guaranteeing the safety of all participants.
Conclusion :
Pope Francis’ mass at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille was a highlight of his trip dedicated to migrants. Through this event, the Pope recalled the importance of welcoming and integrating migrants, denouncing the injustices of which they are often victims. Despite the controversies surrounding the presence of Emmanuel Macron, this ceremony helped to highlight this crucial issue and raise public awareness of the need for international solidarity towards the most vulnerable.