Pope Francis’ visit to Corsica: who is Jeanne Mari, the 108-year-old woman he blessed in Ajaccio?

“I thank the Lord for giving me this grace.” This is the reaction of Jeanne Mari, 108 years old, after being blessed by Pope Francis. She got up at 5 a.m. this Sunday morning to be sure to meet the sovereign pontiff when he came to Corsica in Ajaccio this Sunday, December 15.

Finally, his wish came true. At the Saint-Jean baptistery, the Holy Father stopped and got out of the “popemobile” to meet him. A few words exchanged, then he blessed the centenarian.

Corsica: a 108-year-old woman is blessed by Pope Francis pic.twitter.com/2RaEgNjsIM

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A meeting filled with emotions

Following her meeting with the Pope, Jeanne Mari could not hide her joy and her emotions. “Thank you, thank you very much. I am happy. I never thought I would see the Pope at my age,” expressed the dean of Ajaccio, with tears in her eyes.

Pope Francis then continued his stroll through the streets of the capital of the island of beauty. Many babies and children were also blessed during his passage this morning.

Also read:
DIRECT. Visit of Pope Francis to Corsica: he pleads for a secularism that is not “static and fixed”, follow his trip live

As a reminder, the sovereign pontiff is visiting Corsica for the day on the occasion of the closing of the conclusion of the Congress on “popular religiosity in the Mediterranean”. He will preside over a mass in the afternoon at the Casone green theater, at which 8,000 people will be present. Finally, he will meet Emmanuel Macron at the end of the day before leaving for Rome.