Reflection on Pope Leo XIV's Journey to France
Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, shared insights following Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Journey to France, which concluded after he traveled to Paris, Lourdes, and…
Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, shared insights following Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Journey to France, which concluded after he traveled to Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. Speaking with Vatican News in Metz, she reflected on the significance of the Pope’s visit and its messages of peace and reconciliation across the secular landscape of France.
During the conversation, Sister Becquart acknowledged the challenges posed by secularization in France while emphasizing the Pope's role in reminding the nation of its rich Christian heritage. She noted, “Pope Leo has highlighted and given us, speaking also as French, really an awareness of our long history of faith in this country, and how Christianity has really shaped all of our history.” Her remarks underscored the Pope's ability to inspire hope for the future despite current societal challenges.
Describing the journey as a “moment of grace,” Sister Becquart highlighted the participation of young people and individuals with disabilities. Reflecting on the gathering in Lourdes, she emphasized the importance of declaring the dignity of every individual, especially in the presence of those who are often marginalized due to illness or disability.
As Sister Becquart assessed the journey's overall significance, she remarked on the historic nature of the events, suggesting that the enthusiasm and mobilization of the people and youth were significant indicators of the impact on both the Church and French society. This visit resonated with many as a gateway to understanding the Church's role in contemporary society, particularly amid the political and economic challenges facing Europe.
Looking ahead, Sister Becquart expressed hope that the experience of Pope Leo's visit would leave a lasting impact on French society, highlighting the considerable amount of behind-the-scenes work that made the Pope's journey possible. The visit spurred enthusiasm among various communities and emphasized the importance of relationships within the Church.
