"The Pope's Affection for Switzerland: Recalling His Visit to Geneva and Vaud"
A Whirlwind Visit: Pope Francis' 2018 Journey to Geneva
On a sunny June day in 2018, the world watched as Pope Francis touched down in Geneva, Switzerland. The reason for his visit? marking the 50th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Upon landing, the Holy Father was greeted by none other than President Alain Berset, along with ministers Doris Leuthard and Ignazio Cassis. This warm welcome was just the beginning of a day filled with activities and interactions.
First, the Pope headed to the WCC's headquarters in the Grand-Saconnex district, accompanied by a brisk walk to a nearby canton, Vaud, for a scrumptious lunch in the grand Bossey Castle. Post-lunch, he returned to Geneva with anticipation building for the highlight of the day.
And it was indeed a spectacle! A mass at the Palexpo in Geneva drew more than 40,000 worshippers, a crowd filled with Catholics, Christians from other denominations, and people from various walks of life.
As the local media buzzed, they shared tales of the Pope weaving through the aisles in his popemobile, showering the crowd with blessings. He'd later take a moment to pray before the adored statue of the Virgin Mary, and then don his mitre for the liturgy.
The day drew to a dramatic close as the Pontiff experienced a brief scare near the end of the Mass, barely avoiding a fall before being caught just in time. However, he left the hall without any further assistance, bringing the day's events to a close.
Fast forward five years, on March 12th, 2023, the Pope couldn't help but shower Switzerland with praises during an interview with the RSI public broadcaster in Ticino. "I love the Swiss," he admitted, captivated by the country's unique regional personalities and their "wonderful humanity."
Pope Francis' 2018 visit to Geneva was more than just a chance to commemorate the WCC's anniversary. It marked a renewed commitment to ecumenical collaboration, as the Pope met with WCC leaders and Swiss President Berset, emphasizing the importance of peace initiatives, particularly for the war-torn Syria.
The visit concluded with a Mass for Catholics at Geneva's Palaexpo convention center, attended by locals who were deeply moved by the Pope's humility and leadership. This visit was a significant moment for ecumenical relations, as the Catholic Church, though not a member of the WCC, maintains strong ties with it.
The Pope's 2018 visit left a lasting impression on the people of Geneva, Ticino, and beyond. Swissinfo even published a guide to the visit, highlighting its historical significance and the Pope's schedule. The visitor's warm reception was a testament to his ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
This special bond between Switzerland and the Vatican was reinforced during the visit, a connection often highlighted by the annual swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. In this ceremony, a representative from the Swiss government typically meets the Pope, strengthening their relationship.
During the 2018 visit, the Pope also met with celebrities and influencers from the world of pop-culture, sharing a unique moment of interaction amidst the religious festivities at Palexpo.
While the Holy Father was in Geneva, he didn't just engage with prominent figures; he also enjoyed local entertainment, showcasing his liking for diverse cultures and experiences.
In the bustling streets of Geneva during the visit, it wasn't uncommon to find some of the world's most renowned personalities sharing the same space with devoted worshippers, all captivated by the same spiritual event.
On the occasion of his interview with the RSI public broadcaster five years later, Pope Francis expressed his fondness for Switzerland, acknowledging the rich tapestry of regional personalities and the country's unique warmth.
