In front of the holy tunic of Argenteuil, the tribute of pilgrims to Pope Francis

In Argenteuil, suburb of Val d’Oise, the benches of the Saint-Denys basilica are unusually filled for the Vespers office. 5 pm are ringing this Wednesday afternoon, and many of them are there. Some carry moccasins and a brand sweater, others an eliminated coat and low -end sneakers.

From social backgrounds and very diverse origins, all these believers came to meditate before the holy tunic of Argenteuil. The relic of Saint-Denys basilica-a garment that would have belonged to Christ, according to Christian tradition-is exposed to everyone, for three weeks, from April 18 to May 11, 2025.

A rare event, which takes place, in principle, every 50 years. But for the past few days, the news of the death of Pope Francis, Monday April 21 at 7:35 am, upset this ostension which must accommodate nearly 400,000 pilgrims.

“I learned this during the Easter mass, by the priests who celebrated the office,” says Pulchérie, a volunteer within the organizing team. Inevitably, the shock was enormous! “On the forecourt of the Basilica of Argenteuil, Natacha, professor of mathematics from Garges-lès-Gonesse, adds:” The Pope died precisely during the day of Easter Monday, after the Pascal Triduum! It is difficult to think that it is a coincidence, as the date is symbolic. »»

A symbol that moves pilgrims as much as it upsets the organization of the event. During these three weeks, the Saint-Denys basilica was to accommodate no less than five cardinals, to preside over or attend the celebrations that accompany the ostension of the holy tunic.

Important figures, such as the secretary of state of the Holy Seat, Pietro Parolin, or the Archbishop of Marseille Jean-Marc Aveline, recently appointed Cardinal by the Pope. However, none of them can be present at the masses and the worship of worship in Argenteuil. All are now gathered at the Vatican, to elect the one who will succeed François.

In front of one of the chapels of the basilica, illuminated by the offering candles, a family prayed on his knees, for long minutes. Tatiana, 41, took advantage of the school holidays to leave Toulouse and take her four children on pilgrimage to Argenteuil. At half-words, the engineer recognizes that it has often been disconcerted by Pope Francis.

“When I go to mass, I frequent both parishes of ordinary rite as of Rite Tridentine (in Latin, editor’s note),” she explains. I did not always understand the hardness of François before the believers who go to mass in Latin. But I chose not to listen to all its positions, to protect myself and avoid criticizing it. »»

On the forecourt, a retired couple contemplates the Saint-Denys basilica and its imposing bell tower, which rises almost 60 meters high. Frédérique and François chose to go back and forth Le Mans-Argenteuil by train during the day to meditate.

“In front of the tunic, I prayed the rosary and my first three grains were for the Holy Father,” says Frédérique. I have a fairly moved memory of the Pope. For me, it was a bit to scratch in the church, by its way of breaking the codes and being always with the poorest and most marginal. He had this quirky side which pushed us to think outside the box. »»

In twelve years of pontificate, Pope Francis has continued to encourage Catholics to go towards the “peripheries”, meeting the most distant communities of the Church. A spirituality that inhabits the Basilica of Argenteuil, in this popular district marked by a strong religious diversity. Intrigued by the holy tunic, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist believers do not hesitate to come and contemplate the relic, and to live a moment of meditation.

“Our event is not only open to Catholics but to people from all walks of life, whatever origin or religion, supports Father Guy-Emmanuel Cariot, rector of Saint-Denys. I am sure that François would have liked to go among us, to Argenteuil. It is a place in his image. »»