Pope Francis arrives in Corsica

Pope Francis landed shortly before 9:00 a.m. (local time) this Sunday at the “Napoleon Bonaparte” airport in Ajaccio, marking a historic milestone by becoming the first pontiff to visit the French island of Corsica.

Before leaving the Casa Santa Marta, the Holy Father greeted a group of homeless men and women, who at night find shelter under the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square. They were accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, almoner to His Holiness.

From the Vatican, Pope Francis traveled by car to the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome-Fiumicino, from where he departed aboard an ITA Airways.

Upon arrival on the island, after an hour and a quarter of a flight, the Holy Father was received by the Spanish Cardinal Javier Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio and by the Ministers of the Interior and Foreign Affairs.

Four children gave him flowers and, after the anthems and military honors, the presentation of the delegations took place. Later, Pope Francis held a private meeting with the ministers.

this trip expressthe 47th of his Pontificate, will be marked by the congress “Popular Religiosity in the Mediterranean”, an event that will be attended by bishops from France and neighboring Italy and Spain, and which Pope Francis will close with a speech to the 10.15 (local time).

Around 11:30 (local time), after greeting some young people who will fly in colorful balloons, you will head by car to the Cathedral of Santa María Asunta, for a meeting with priests, religious, consecrated persons and seminarians.

After a rest, it will depart at 2:45 p.m. to Place d’Austerlitzwhere he will celebrate a Mass that is expected to be attended by around 7 thousand faithful.

This intense day will conclude with a 40-minute private meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, and he is scheduled to return to Rome at 5:30 p.m.