The topic of Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Corsica has been a major discussion at the plenary assembly of the bishops of France in Lourdes from the 5th to the 10th of November. The Pope is expected to visit Ajaccio on the 14th and 15th of December to participate in a colloquium on “Popular Religiosity in the Mediterranean.” This will be his third trip to France, following visits to Strasbourg in 2014 and Marseille in 2023. This historic visit will mark the first time a Pope has visited the island of Corsica, creating a sense of anticipation among the locals. However, there is still some doubt surrounding the visit, as an official announcement and program have not been released yet.
There is speculation about the Pope’s health, as he is 87 years old, which could potentially affect the planned visit. While the city of Ajaccio, the diocese, and the prefecture have not officially confirmed the visit, preparations are already underway with a weekly steering committee. Despite the lack of official confirmation, many are already preparing for the Pope’s visit, with some jokingly advising others to book their flights in advance. Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, the charismatic bishop of Ajaccio, has been a key figure in organizing the Pope’s visit to the island, having forged a close relationship with the pontiff.
Cardinal Bustillo’s influence and connection with Pope Francis were solidified during his creation as a cardinal in Rome on September 30, 2023. Following this event, the idea of arranging a papal visit to Corsica began to take shape. In the summer, Vatican security personnel visited Ajaccio to establish initial contacts, and it is reported that teams from the Vatican and the Elysée Palace will be visiting the island in November to finalize security arrangements before the official announcement by Cardinal Bustillo on November 16. The excitement surrounding the Pope’s potential visit has sparked enthusiasm among the people of Corsica, who eagerly anticipate the historic event.
The Cardinal’s efforts and the enthusiasm of the locals have played a significant role in making the Pope’s visit to Corsica a reality. The visit is seen as a testament to the strong relationship between Cardinal Bustillo and Pope Francis, as well as the special bond between the pontiff and the people of Corsica. The Pope’s visit to Ajaccio for the colloquium on popular religiosity in the Mediterranean is expected to be a momentous occasion for both the island and the Catholic Church. The visit will not only strengthen the ties between Corsica and the Vatican but also serve as a symbol of unity and solidarity among believers in the region.
As preparations for the Pope’s visit continue and the anticipation grows, there is a sense of excitement and expectation among the residents of Corsica. The historic nature of the visit, coupled with the significance of the colloquium on popular religiosity in the Mediterranean, has generated widespread interest in the event. The Pope’s presence in Corsica is expected to attract a large number of visitors and participants, further underlining the importance of the occasion. With each passing day, the countdown to the Pope’s visit draws closer, with the people of Corsica eagerly awaiting the opportunity to welcome the pontiff to their island with open arms.
