“The call for donations is very important, all Corsicans and friends of Corsica must participate”

The Pope's visit to Ajaccio was confirmed this Saturday, November 23, by the Vatican. A few minutes after this confirmation, Father Frédéric Constant, vicar general of the diocese of Ajaccio, answered questions from France 3 Corse ViaStella.

The Pope's visit was confirmed by the Holy See this Saturday, November 23. The sovereign pontiff will therefore go to Ajaccio, for one day, on December 15.

A few minutes after the officialization of this visit, Father Frédéric Constant, vicar general of the diocese of Ajaccio, answered the questions of France 3 Corse ViaStella.

This is the first time that a pope has come to Corsica, why has a pope never come before and why come now?

The Pope comes to Corsica because Cardinal Bustillo invited him and in his pastoral choice, the Pope decided to respond to this invitation and next December 15, with joy, we will welcome him.

The organization is quite heavy, it has a cost, several million euros, why is it so expensive and how do we finance this visit?

We have three weeks to prepare for this big event, it is true that the cost is quite high, but everything comes into play: security, technical means, audiovisual… Everything you need for a big gathering can accommodate so many people.

A call for donations has been launched. How do we participate?

The call for donations is very important, all Corsicans and friends of Corsica must be able to join in this major collection on the dedicated site. And above all, businesses should not be embarrassed since there is a tax exemption provided for their donation.

Several volunteers will be mobilized. What will their role be?

We are calling on many people to become volunteers, that is to say, to put themselves at the service of the good organization of this day and especially at the service of all those who will be welcomed.

How will we have to go about attending the open-air mass organized at the Casone?

In a few hours, there will also be a QR Code so that registrations are online. We will be able to register for the Casone and other places to celebrate the joy of being around Pope Francis.

Do you know the reception conditions and reception capacity?

We do not yet have the final figures, but a large reception capacity, throughout the city, will be offered.

The interview conducted by Juliette Messa and Mathilde Boucher: