On the occasion of his visit to Corsica, the pontiff spoke at the Palais des Congrès in Ajaccio. He defended a secularism “which is not static and fixed” while recognizing that Catholic faith and practice were in decline in Europe.
The Corsicans have been impatiently awaiting the visit of the sovereign pontiff since it was announced at the beginning of December. And for good reason: according to figures communicated by the Vatican, the island has 80% Catholics for 350,000 inhabitants. However, during his speech on Sunday at the Palais des Congrès in Ajaccio, Pope Francis noted a practice in decline on a European scale: “Today, especially in European countries, the question of God seems to be fading” he conceded, facing many religious and theologians present in the room. As Le Parisien points out, the pope however invited people not to draw any analyses.”hasty” of this decline and warned against “ideological judgments which sometimes oppose, even today, Christian culture and secular culture“.
Strong words against identitarianism
Pope Francis also, in his speech, pleaded for a concept of secularism that is not “static and frozen“, more “evolving and dynamic“, a secularism”able to adapt to different or unforeseen situations, and to promote constant cooperation between civil and ecclesiastical authorities for the good of the whole community, each remaining within the limits of its competence and space“.
The theme chosen for this speech being that of popular religiosity in the Mediterranean, the Pope rejoiced at the vigor of the latter, particularly in Corsica. But he was also alarmed by “risque“let it be”contaminated“by”fatalistic or superstitious beliefs” or “exploited by groups who intend to strengthen their identity in a polemical manner, by fueling particularisms, oppositions, exclusionary attitudes“. Strong words as the far right gains ground on the island, particularly with the appearance of the Mossa Palatina movement, which asserts its Catholic identity and opposes the disembarkation of migrants who have crossed the Mediterranean. A speech the exact opposite of that of Pope Francis, who defends the reception of migrants.
published on December 15 at 12:28 p.m., Sabrina Guintini, 6Médias
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