(ZENIT News / Paris, 11.21.2024).- In a landmark announcement, Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio, confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Corsica on December 15, 2024. Speaking with La Tribune on November 17, the Cardinal revealed that the Pope’s visit will coincide with a major conference on popular religiosity in the Mediterranean, making this the first papal visit to the island in history.
“This idea has traveled a long path in his mind,” noted Cardinal Bustillo, who extended the invitation to the pontiff as part of his broader efforts to strengthen the Church’s presence in Corsica. The visit, he said, reflects Pope Francis’s desire to remain “close to the people” while celebrating the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
A First for Corsica: Welcoming the Pontiff
Corsica, with its deeply rooted Catholic traditions, has never hosted a pope despite its predominantly Catholic population. This visit marks a turning point for the island, as it welcomes not just a spiritual leader but also a global figure who embodies the Church’s mission of unity and inclusivity.
Cardinal Bustillo, who was elevated to cardinal in September 2023 and received the French Legion of Honor in July 2024, described the event as both a privilege and a significant responsibility. “Hosting Pope Francis is about more than just hospitality—it’s about introducing him to a land rich in tradition and faith, alongside a community eager to share its story with the world,” he said.
Highlighting Mediterranean Spirituality
The visit is anchored by the conference on popular religiosity in the Mediterranean, a gathering that will bring together bishops from Spain, Sardinia, Sicily, and southern France, as well as legal experts. Taking place at the Ajaccio Conference Palace, the event aims to explore the deep connections between faith and culture in this historically significant region.
Pope Francis is expected to deliver a keynote address to a diverse audience, followed by a communal lunch. The conference will culminate in a Mass celebrated by the pontiff himself—a moment that promises to resonate deeply with both Corsican residents and visitors.
This focus on Mediterranean spirituality aligns with Pope Francis’s broader vision of a Church that embraces its local traditions while fostering dialogue across cultures. His presence in Corsica underscores the importance of the Mediterranean as a crossroads of faith, history, and modern challenges.
Rekindling the Faith Among Corsican Youth
Cardinal Bustillo expressed hope that the Pope’s visit will energize Corsica’s Catholic community, particularly its younger members. “We are seeing a growing number of young people return to the Church through baptism, confirmation, and even adult baptisms,” he said.
He views this papal visit as an opportunity to inspire a new wave of missionary enthusiasm. “I hope Pope Francis’s presence will ignite a spark, encouraging the Church to mobilize, celebrate more Masses, and inspire curiosity about the faith,” Bustillo added.
With information from the French edition of ZENIT
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