This Thursday, January 16, 2025, several distinct ceremonies were organized in tribute to Jean-Marie Le Pen, notably in Paris and at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Le Vœu church in Nice. The Diocese defends itself from any political proximity.
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In Nice, a mass was celebrated in memory of the founder of the National Front Jean-Marie Le Pen this Thursday, January 16, 2025. Faced with criticism concerning a possible political significance of the event, the Diocese of Nice wanted to clarify its position .
In a press release, he wrote: “The Church does not intend to pay homage to the action of a man, or that of a political party. She intercedes with God for the baptized deceased. This is the meaning of Christian prayer for all deceased .”
The Diocese also stressed having taken strict measures to avoid any political demonstration, prohibiting “any speaking inside the church or on the square, any political display”. According to information from BFM TV, this ceremony was organized by Josiane Pastorel, former National Front activist.
A mass in memory of Jean-Marie Le Pen was celebrated in Nice on January 16, 2025.
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© Helene France / FTV
ALSO READ > Death of Jean-Marie Le Pen: 10 key dates in the political battles of the founder of the FN in Paca, a key region of his success
Among the personalities on site, we noted the presence of Benoit Kandel, former first deputy of mayor Christian Estrosi, now a member of the National Rally, Hervé de Surville, lawyer, or even the entrepreneur Laurent Merengone, elected RN to the regional council, who appeared in 45th position on the list led by Jordan Bardella during the last European elections.
In Nice, a mass paid tribute to Jean-Marie Le Pen this Thursday, January 16.
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© Hélène France / FTV
The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen on January 7, 2025, and the tributes paid since, have sparked numerous controversial reactions in France. Controversial rallies took place in several cities, celebrating the death of the far-right leader.
ALSO READ > The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen celebrated by hundreds of people on the Plain in Marseille
The Diocese of Nice has defended itself from any political proximity with the historic leader of the far-right Jean-Marie Le Pen.
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© Helene France / FTV
Eric Ciotti present at the Parisian ceremony
At the same time, another mass was celebrated in Paris at the Notre-Dame du Val-de-Grâce church. During this ceremony, the deputy for Alpes-Maritimes Eric Ciotti was seen alongside Philippe de Villiers and Eric Zemmour, two figures of the French conservative right.
Philippe de Villiers, Eric Ciotti and Eric Zemmour during the tribute ceremony to Jean-Marie Le Pen in Paris.
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© JOEL SAGET / AFP
This public tribute paid to Jean-Marie Le Pen could therefore also be notable for its eminently political turn.
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