Emmanuel Macron Gifts Pope Francis a Book on Notre-Dame Restoration
French President Emmanuel Macron presented Pope Francis with a book titled "Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris" during a meeting at Ajaccio airport, following the cathedral's reopening ceremony held a week prior. The Pope, who was invited to the ceremony but did not attend, received the gift amidst a backdrop of significant public interest in the cathedral's restoration after five years of work. Notable figures such as Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Elon Musk were present at the reopening event, which drew considerable media attention.
Pope Francis Advocates for Dynamic Secularism
During his visit to Corsica, where he celebrated a mass attended by approximately 15,000 people, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of a secularism that is "not static and fixed, but evolving and dynamic." He argued for a collaborative relationship between civil authorities and the church, aimed at fostering community well-being while respecting the boundaries of each institution's role. This message comes at a time when discussions around secularism in France are particularly relevant, given the country's complex religious landscape.
A Symbolic Meeting with Historical Significance
The meeting between Macron and Pope Francis also included the presentation of an old edition of Charles Péguy's work, "Presentation of Beauce at Notre-Dame de Chartres," which highlights the deep Christian faith that permeates Péguy's writings. The Pope's visit to Corsica, marked by a focus on popular religiosity and the historical significance of the region's Christian traditions, underscores the ongoing dialogue about faith, culture, and community in contemporary society.
