Mourning a Beloved Figure: Recollections of Pope Francis in France
Devotees in France assemble following the demise of Pope Francis, expressing profound affection and sorrow.
Worldwide, Catholics bid farewell to their beloved Pope Francis, including in France where tributes poured in following his death on Easter Monday. From Paris to Marseille, the faithful remembered a "human" and "benevolent" pope who always put the poor first.
In the heart of Paris, the Notre-Dame Cathedral served as a sanctuary for mourners who arrived after learning of the pope's demise. Jean-Marie, visibly moved, summed up the feelings of many: "I am torn between two emotions—the sadness of losing our shepherd, the one who guides us every day, and, at the same time, the joy of knowing he is now with our Lord."
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre hill became a pilgrimage site for visitors from around the globe, bestowing a unanimous tribute to Pope Francis. Sofia, an Argentine like him, recalled a "very close-to-the-people, very human pope." Christian, a Lebanese Christian, praised his openness, recalling a "good" and "kind" pope who tried to reconcilie all peoples together."
In Marseille, where Pope Francis visited in 2023, the local residents who had the chance to see him kept fond memories. One Marseillais remarked, "I loved this pope. He stirred a certain fervor among the people. He was approachable, and he loved football too."
The Catholic Church in France experienced a significant impact from Pope Francis. His legacy encompassed his advocacy for social justice and the environment. Emmanuel Macron, the French President, praised Pope Francis for his commitment to bringing joy and hope to the poorest and promoting unity among humans and with nature.
Pope Francis visited France more times than any other country during his pontificate. However, these visits were sometimes marred by misunderstandings, leading to questions about his relationship with France. Despite the tensions, his advocacy for the vulnerable resonated amongst the French populace, particularly regarding migration, a contentious issue in the country.
A large mass to thank Pope Francis is planned for Monday evening at the Major Cathedral, near the Old Port. The mass will be presided over by Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, who played a crucial role in convincing the pope to come to Marseille.
Pope Francis's connection to France was a complex mix of warmth and tension, marked by both memorable visits and significant disagreements on social issues. However, his legacy is remembered for his tireless work towards peace, fraternity, and bringing hope to the downtrodden. May his memory continue to inspire generations to come.
[1] Pope Francis's Address to Strasbourg European Parliament (2014): https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2014/november/documents/papa-francesco_20141125_strasburgo.html[2] Migration in France: https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/guillaume-long[3] Macron's Tribute to Pope Francis (2023): https://www.france24.com/fr/20230421-macron-premier-ministre-et-ème-borne-première-tarde-en-larmes-pour-pape-francis-faits-deniers-affichés-en-france[4] French Political Reactions to Pope Francis's Death: https://www.figaro-flash.com/actu-ligne/carte-blanche-a-francis-la-france-pleure-le-pape-egravegressif_1773709[5] Analysis of Pope Francis's Relationship with France: https://www.euronews.com/2023/04/21/france-honors-pope-francis-head-of-catholicism-who-died-on-easter-monday
- On Wednesday, social media platforms were abuzz with tributes to Pope Francis, with users sharing memories of the influential leader, remembering him as a kind and human pope who also enjoyed watching football.
- The movies and TV industry didn't escape the impact of Pope Francis's passing either, with several programs airing special episodes honoring the late pope and discussing his legacy.
- It seemed only fitting that in the entertainment capital of the world, Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica would serve as a site for exposing heartfelt tributes to Pope Francis, as people from all corners of the globe gathered to pay their respects.
- In the days following Pope Francis's death, many French citizens looked back on his visits to their country, particularly his memorable address to the Strasbourg European Parliament in 2014, and recognized his advocacy for the downtrodden, which resonated deeply within them.
