On a one-day visit to Corsica on December 15, 2024, Pope Francis I urged Catholic priests to remain vigilant against spiritual groups that sow division within communities by promoting narrow and exclusive views.
Speaking during an international conference on popular religious traditions in Ajaccio, the Pope cautioned against groups that misuse religion for personal or political gain, emphasizing the need for Church leaders to guide their communities toward unity and inclusivity rather than division. While the pontiff did not name any specific groups, his message reflected broader concerns about the dangers of exploiting religion to fuel political or social divides.
At the conference, organized by the Diocese of Ajaccio to explore the role of popular religiosity in Mediterranean culture, Pope Francis warned about certain spiritual practices that undermine the Church’s mission of unity.
He stated, “The Church’s pastors (are) called to be vigilant, to exercise discernment, and to be constantly attentive to (these) popular forms of religiosity.” He further criticized “varieties of spirituality that seek self-aggrandizement by fueling polemics, narrow-mindedness, divisions, and exclusivist attitudes.”
The Pope warned not only Corsica but also the global Catholic Church, echoing his consistent advocacy for inclusivity and solidarity.His remarks align with his ongoing call for the Church to steer away from exclusivity and divisive practices, ensuring its role as a unifying force in a polarized world.
A Day Focused on Unity and Faith
Pope Francis spent approximately nine hours in Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital. In addition to the conference, he celebrated an outdoor Mass with local Catholics, reinforcing his message of community and togetherness.
His visit to Corsica reflects his broader commitment to highlighting what he calls the “peripheries” of the world—regions and issues that often go unnoticed. This approach stands in contrast to prioritizing visits to major Western capitals like Paris, which he has notably avoided during his 11-year papacy.
The Pope visits Corsica soon after he turned down an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the December 7 reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, closed for five years after a devastating fire.Instead, the Pope met with Macron in Ajaccio after the conference before returning to Rome.
Through his visit, Pope Francis reinforced his vision for a Church that emphasizes unity, inclusion, and attention to marginalized communities, warning against the perils of division both within and outside religious circles.
