Pope Francis has urged Catholic clergy to guard against forms of spirituality that promote division and exclusivity. Speaking during a one-day visit to Corsica on Sunday, the pontiff emphasized the importance of unity within the Church, warning against religious practices that “fuel polemics, narrow-mindedness, divisions, and exclusivist attitudes.”
The pope addressed Catholic priests and religious leaders at a conference focused on religion across the Mediterranean. Highlighting the responsibility of Church pastors, he stated, “They are called to be vigilant, to exercise discernment, and to be constantly attentive to these popular forms of religiosity.” While no specific groups were named, Francis’ remarks underscore his broader commitment to fostering harmony in faith communities.
This visit marked the first papal trip to Corsica, a French Mediterranean island known for its rich Catholic heritage and historic lay religious associations, often referred to as confraternities. Though primarily focused on spiritual matters, these groups have occasionally intersected with local political dynamics.
Pope Francis, who has made it a priority to visit lesser-known regions during his 11-year papacy, continues to draw attention to what he calls the “peripheries” of the world. His decision to visit Corsica aligns with his mission to highlight areas and issues often overlooked on the global stage.
The pope’s visit came ahead of his 88th birthday on Tuesday, with crowds lining the streets of Ajaccio to greet him during a brief ride in the popemobile. Despite his age and recent health challenges, including a minor fall last week, Francis appeared in good spirits.
Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, is both geographically striking and economically challenged, with around 20 percent of its population living below the poverty line. According to Vatican estimates, about 81 percent of Corsica’s 356,000 residents identify as Catholic.
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While President Emmanuel Macron had invited Pope Francis to the December 7 reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the pope chose to decline, opting instead for a brief meeting with Macron at Ajaccio’s airport before returning to Rome.
This trip to Corsica is part of Francis’ extensive travels around the Mediterranean, which have included visits to Malta, the Greek island of Lesbos, and the Italian island of Lampedusa. The pope’s message of unity and vigilance against divisive spirituality remains central to his ministry as he continues to address the challenges facing the global Church.