Pope’s trip to Corsica? “If he comes, the Pope will awaken the joy and devotion of the Corsicans” Father Georges Nicoli

What is the importance of the Catholic religion in Corsica?

Here, religion occupies a major place not only for fervent Catholics but also among the many sympathizers. If he comes, the pope will awaken the joy, the devotion, perhaps even certain fantasies of the Corsicans. We will be there, that’s for sure. But let’s remain cautious: with fragile health, he might well not come if he leaves the next consistory in Rome on December 8 exhausted.

Has the person who would receive him, Cardinal François Bustillo, bishop of Ajaccio, of Basque-Navarrese origin, become a popular figure in Corsica?

Yes, he creates consensus through his charisma and his proximity to the Corsicans. He is an endearing personality. As soon as he became bishop, he visited the elderly in their homes, went to meet residents in the streets, in village squares… Even today, he spends time sharing meals. As a Franciscan – and unlike other bishops – he maintains a simplicity of access and nourishes a great love for popular devotion: Sacred Heart of Jesus, rosaries, processions of the Blessed Sacrament… This piety is very important among us where the processions hold a central place in the life of communities and where brotherhoods – what you call “penitents” on the continent – ​​see young people getting involved in increasing numbers.

Our bishop is interested in others, he asks questions of those he meets, he takes a personal look at everyone, without trying to impose his views. He is neither sectarian nor Manichean. From the Franciscan way of life, he maintains closeness with the poor in particular. For example, he came to visit the volunteers involved in our parish who welcome homeless people. It’s popularity out of proximity and not out of concern for maintaining a satisfaction rating. Already, we can say that he will have marked the History of Corsica to the point of being considered Corsican.

Will the islanders be receptive to the Pope’s messages?

It is clear that Francis is splitting the population. Particularly on issues that are sensitive here: migrants or ecology, for example. The Pope has a strong opinion on these subjects, so it is possible that he comforts some and displeases others. But for the most part, the pope is the pope and we respect him. Perhaps because of his Argentinian culture, he is very attached to popular devotion. He does not just pray in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, he touches it with his hand, he kisses the statues… Here, these are gestures that we notice. This piety resonates with the sensitivity of the Corsicans.

If he goes to Corsica, the Pope will necessarily go… to France, right?

It will not be a state visit but yes, it will be to France. I hope he will not amuse himself by declaring, from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, that he will go “to Corsica but not to France” as he said he was going “to Marseille but not in France”… in which case he risks attracting a certain sympathy from part of the population!