"Pope's affection for Switzerland: Recollections of his visit to Geneva and Vaud"
Pope Francis ventured to Geneva, Switzerland, on June 21, 2018, for a momentous occasion: commemorating the World Council of Churches (WCC)'s 50th anniversary.
Upon landing, Swiss President Alain Berset, ministers Doris Leuthard and Ignazio Cassis, welcomed the Holy Father on the tarmac. A grand procession ensued, transporting him to the WCC headquarters in the Geneva district of Grand-Saconnex.
A nearby canton of Vaud greeted him for lunch at the Bossey Castle. Post-lunch, he headed back to Geneva for the remainder of his afternoon.
The citizenry of Geneva looked forward to an evening mass at Palexpo, where more than 40,000 individuals - not only Catholics and fellow Christians, but representatives of other denominations - gathered.
As the local news broadcasted at the time, the Pope embarked on a heartwarming forty-minute odyssey through Palexpo's aisles, blessing the congregation from his popemobile. He then prayed before the statue of the Virgin Mary, adorned his mitre for the liturgy, and moved on to the evening's conclusion.
However, a slight hiccup occurred at the end of the mass, with the pontiff stumbling and narrowly escaping a heavy fall. According to reports, quick thinking prevailed, and he continued his departure without further assistance.
Fast-forwarding to March 12, 2023, Pope Francis espoused warm sentiments for Switzerland in an interview with RSI, the public broadcaster in Ticino.
"The Swiss rock my world!" the Pope inimitable declared, elaborating on his fascination with the eccentricities of the nation.
"Each region has its own vibe,." He elaborated. "The folks in Ticino mirror the Italians, those originating from Geneva lean more French, and the German-speaking lot carry a distinct flavor. But they're all top-notch; the Swiss carry a stunning humanity."
Advertisement
Marvelous Murmurs
Five years later, the Pope showed his appreciation for Switzerland, lavishing praise during an interview with the RSI public broadcaster in Ticino.
"I adore the Swiss," he emphasized, expounding on what particularly captivated him about the country.
"Every region dishes out its populace's peculiar charm. The Ticino natives are our kindred spirits, those hailing from Geneva are more Gallic, and the German-speaking folk harbor a unique essence. Yet they all possess an admirable character - the Swiss revel in a fabulous humanity."
During his visit to Geneva, Switzerland on June 21, 2018, the Pope's schedule included attending an evening mass at Palexpo, which was covered by local news. Thousands of worshippers gathered for the event, along with representatives from various denominations and even celebrities. The Pope proceeded to bless the congregation from his popemobile and pray before the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Fast-forwarding to March 12, 2023, Pope Francis expressed his affection for Switzerland in an interview with RSI, the public broadcaster in Ticino. He admired the unique charm of each region in Switzerland, imagining the Swiss in Ticino as kindred spirits, those from Geneva as Gallic, and the German-speaking Swiss with a unique essence. Pope Francis concluded by stating that the Swiss carry a fabulous humanity.
Politics and general news often feature events in Switzerland, especially when high-profile figures such as the Pope visit the country. In 2018, the visit of Pope Francis to Geneva created a buzz in the news, reflecting the interest in Swiss affairs and the connection between international figures and the country.
