In a heartfelt address during his visit to Marseille, Pope Francis referred to the Mediterranean as a “graveyard of dignity” and called for unity and compassion in the face of the ongoing migrant crisis. The Pope’s visit to this southern French city, known for its diversity and challenges, underscored his commitment to addressing pressing global issues, particularly migration.
On Friday, September 22nd, Pope Francis met with local religious leaders at a memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants lost at sea. He spoke about the tragedy of shipwrecks and the loss of lives in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the need for urgent action. According to the UN Refugee Agency, approximately 178,500 migrants have arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean this year, with about 2,500 losing their lives or going missing during the perilous journey. More than 20,000 people have died on Mediterranean migration routes since 2014.
The Pope’s visit to Marseille was part of the Mediterranean Encounter, also known as “Rencontres Mediterraneennes.” This weeklong gathering brought together young people and bishops from 30 countries, all focused on addressing migration-related issues.
Pope Francis began his visit on Friday by attending the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, where he entrusted a meeting of Mediterranean bishops and youth to the Virgin Mary. During the visit, he encouraged the 119 priests of the Archdiocese of Marseille, serving approximately 742,000 Catholics, to take inspiration from Mary’s example in their priesthood.
The heart of Pope Francis’s message was a call for compassion and unity. He stated, “We can no longer watch the drama of shipwrecks caused by the cruel trafficking and the fanaticism of indifference. As Christians who believe in God made man, in the one inimitable Man who on the shores of the Mediterranean called himself the way, the truth, and the life, we cannot accept that the paths of encounter should be closed.”
Pope Francis chose Marseille for his visit, reiterating his preference for traveling to the world’s fringes rather than its power centers. Marseille, a city of about 870,000 people, faces challenges such as extreme poverty, strained social services, and violence. However, it is also known for its rich diversity, with various ethnic and religious communities coexisting.
During his speech on Saturday, September 23rd, the Pope emphasized the historical significance of the Mediterranean, referring to it as the “cradle of civilization” and a sea “overflowing with treasures.” He highlighted the importance of seeing the world as a place of wonder and human beings as endowed with freedom and a need for salvation.
The Pope concluded his visit with a call for collaborative responses to the migrant crisis, acknowledging the disparities between regions in a globalized world. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the pressing issue further.
Tens of thousands of faithful were drawn to Marseille’s Vélodrome soccer stadium, highlighting the significance of Pope Francis’s message in a world grappling with individualism, selfishness, and rejection.
Edited by Jacob Stein
