The bishop of Ajaccio confirms the “project of coming” of Pope Francis to Corsica in mid-December

On franceinfo, Cardinal François Bustillo believes that it is “very likely” that Emmanuel Macron will be there during this visit.

If the Vatican has not yet officially confirmed the visit of Pope Francis in mid-December to Corsica, there is “a coming project“, assures Cardinal François Bustillo, bishop of Ajaccio, at the microphone of franceinfo this Tuesday. Confirmation from Pope Francis must arrive “during the week”adds Cardinal Bustillo. This would be a historic first for the island.

Why Corsica? “I think he really appreciates the popular side, the simplicity. He knows that in Corsica, there are a lot of processions. We are close to Rome, there is geographical proximity and cultural proximity“, explains François Bustillo.

The pope's arrival, if confirmed, will cost “roughly” two million euros, according to him. For this, the cardinal “count on the generosity of the Corsicans and friends of Corsica“. “I am sure that the Corsicans will welcome him as they know how, with great kindness and generosity.“, he explains.

He is “fort probable“that Emmanuel Macron will be there”to welcome him and interact with him“, explains the cardinal, without giving further details: “We know they get along well. Afterwards, the practical details, they are in the process of refining them.” This will be the third trip of the sovereign pontiff to France, after Marseille in 2023 et Strasbourg in 2014.