Pope Francis makes historic visit to Corsica, meets Macron
Pope Francis is the first pope in history to visit the French island. For years, this destination has fascinated tourists from Europe and beyond. It is also a place of folk worship, various forms of devotion, and processions.
Pope Francis visited Corsica on Sunday, December 15th, marking his first visit as a pope in history. He spent approximately ten hours on the French island attending a congress on popular piety in the Mediterranean region. He also visited sites associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, born on this island.
The first pope on the island
The pope set out for the island on Sunday morning. He stayed until the evening in Ajaccio, the main city of the French island, where thousands of people greeted him. On Sunday, at the end of his visit to Corsica, he met with France's President Emmanuel Macron at Ajaccio airport. Before meeting with the French leader, the pope held a mass at Austerlitz Square.
This is his 47th foreign pilgrimage, the third this year following visits to Asia, Oceania, Luxembourg, and Belgium, and simultaneously one of the shortest.
An island loved by tourists
Corsica, located in the Mediterranean Sea southeast of continental France, is called the "island of beauty." It is also known for its exceptional cuisine, which includes wine, honey, chestnuts, charcuterie, and cheese. Each region has its own unique cheese, developed according to a closely guarded recipe.
Corsica is an excellent destination for thrill-seekers, as one can tackle Europe's most famous trekking trail (GR20), explore the secrets of the ocean depths in the Scandola Nature Reserve, or try canyoning in dozens of canyons with rushing rivers.
Meanwhile, less active leisure and blissful relaxation lovers can enjoy the beaches, where soft, golden sand meets crystal-clear water. This location can confidently compete with the famous French Riviera.
