Pope to visit Marseille

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis will make a two-day visit to the southern French city of Marseille on Friday and Saturday, to close the 'Mediterranean Meetings' of bishops and young people from across the Mediterranean taking place on 17-24 September 2023.

Speaking during the Angelus on Sunday, the Pope called the gathering "a beautiful initiative," noting it "winds its way through important Mediterranean cities, bringing together ecclesial and civil leaders to promote paths of peace, collaboration and integration around the mare nostrum, with special attention to the phenomenon of migration."

"It represents a challenge that is not easy, as we see also from the chronicles of these days, but which must be faced together."

"This is essential for the future of all," which "will only be prosperous if it is built on fraternity, putting human dignity and concrete people first, especially the most needy."

The Marseilles visit will be Pope Francis' 44th Apostolic Journey abroad.