Pope Francis to Make Historic First Visit to Corsica

The pontiff will celebrate mass in Ajaccio on December 15, highlighting the island's unique Catholic traditions and vibrant popular piety.

Pope Francis will visit Corsica for the first time on December 15, marking a historic moment for the island and the Catholic Church.
The visit will include a mass in Ajaccio and a colloquium focusing on Corsica's unique expressions of popular piety and faith traditions.
Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo of Ajaccio, a close ally of the pope, played a key role in organizing the visit and emphasizing Corsica's religious and cultural identity.
Corsican artists, including Patrick Fiori and Alizée, will perform at a concert in honor of the pope, though singer Jenifer declined due to prior professional commitments.
This visit comes shortly after the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, underscoring the pope's focus on engaging with lesser-visited regions and their distinct spiritual heritage.