In a landmark event, Pope Francis arrived in Corsica on Sunday, marking the first-ever papal visit to the French Mediterranean island. The 87-year-old pontiff was warmly welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic locals in the capital city of Ajaccio.
Upon landing, Francis was greeted by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and a military band. The Pope, seated in a wheelchair and donning his signature white vestments, smiled as he handed small gifts to children who presented him with flowers.
The one-day visit includes a packed schedule for the pontiff. He is set to address a congress on religion in the Mediterranean, lead an Angelus prayer, and celebrate an open-air mass. The Pope will also meet with French President Emmanuel Macron before departing in the evening.
Ajaccio has been transformed for the occasion, with streets adorned in papal colors of yellow and white. Security measures have been heightened, with an additional 2,000 police officers deployed to the city.
Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo, who spearheaded the invitation, expressed his excitement: "Corsica has been preparing to host [Francis] for a long time. We'll manage a welcome worthy of the pope."
The visit holds particular significance for Corsica, where approximately 90% of the 350,000 inhabitants identify as Catholic. Local resident Paule Negroni shared her pride, stating, "It's a privilege for the Pope to come here rather than Paris."
This trip marks Pope Francis's third visit to France during his papacy, though it is not an official state visit. The Pope's choice to visit Corsica, known for its distinct identity and ongoing discussions about constitutional status, has been seen as aligned with his focus on marginalized communities.
As the day unfolds, tens of thousands are expected to gather for the open-air mass and to catch a glimpse of the Pope as he travels through Ajaccio in his popemobile. This historic visit is set to leave a lasting impact on the island and its devout Catholic population.
