“he must have said to himself why not, Corsica is not that far!”, the testimony of Cardinal Bustillo

If there is still no official confirmation concerning the pope's visit to Corsica, Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo indicated that his official visit could be announced next week.

This Saturday, November 16, around twenty confirmations of young people took place within the Notre-Dame de Lourdes Church in Bastia by the Bishop of Corsica François-Xavier Bustillo. A strong moment, in a particular context, a visit of the pope could indeed take place in Corsica, in Ajaccio, on December 15.

On this occasion, Cardinal François Bustillo answered questions from France 3 Corse.

How did you convince the Pope to come to Corsica?

I didn't launch a seduction operation! When they meet the Pope, all the bishops of the world invite him to discover his diocese and its territory. When we offer him an invitation, we do it in a chaste manner. We strongly hope so, but we don't really believe it.

Finally, the pope had to evaluate all the elements concerning my proposal. Whether it is the geographical and cultural proximity, the opportunity and the subject of the conference which is popular piety, he must have said to himself:why not, Corsica is not that far away!“This project is beautiful, it is full of hope. It is important to mobilize the consciences, the intelligence, the passion of the Corsicans so that we can experience this moment of communion, happy and unifying.

The Corsican Community and the Ajaccio town hall are helping us. There is a lot of joy, too, from the Prefecture, who is very motivated to help us. Everyone wants to contribute so that this event is happy and joyful for all Corsicans.

We are going to experience a popular moment in a very short time. It will be sporty for everyone, but there is will and passion. There is also great collaboration between all the institutions. What matters is to give ourselves the means to prepare a happy and joyful event for all Corsicans and for all those who come from the continent.

The fact that we are able to collaborate and contribute to good together is a sign of social, political and spiritual maturity. I can only rejoice about it!

In Corsica, do you feel that religion is essential?

The majority of Corsicans call themselves Catholic. It is even said that 90% of Corsicans are Catholic. For us, it's a great responsibility. We navigate between practicing believers and non-practitioners.

We live in a Western society where there are many beliefs, but in Corsica, I see that there are no ideological hostilities. We can meet people who practice every day and every Sunday, others less, but there is always great availability, responsibility and support from the Church.

We live on an island where traditions are important. They are transmitted by parents. During the confirmations that I have been able to make, children and young people always talk about their parents and especially their grandparents. In Corsica, we don't forget our roots. I believe that for a people and for its culture, it is important not to forget where we come from and where we are going.

In Corsica, are there more and more confirmations and/or baptisms?

Yes and it's magnificent. It is an encouragement for the priests, for the deacons and for myself. We have many young people requesting adult baptism and adult confirmation. Before, there was a time when they went to India, Tibet or the Amazon to seek spirituality. Today, they turn to the Church and ask for inner strength.

I have made more than 200 confirmations in Corte this year, we have given them inner strength. I think we live in a complicated and complex world. We therefore need to rediscover the inner dimension and spiritual strength. When we give confirmation, it is strength to hold on and to move forward.

When you are a man of the Church, you are there for the mission but it is not a strategic, tactical or political mission. For me, the most important dimension in our mission is to welcome those who knock on our door, so that we can respect and support them.

Here is the interview with Cardinal François Bustillo: