Pope Leo XIV visited France from September 25 to 28, amid high expectations and controversy. The Pope rejected several protocol elements planned by the French presidency, including a formal lunch or dinner with President Emmanuel Macron and the awarding of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. This move was seen as a snub to Macron, who had hoped to use the visit to boost his popularity.
The Pope also declined to be accompanied by Macron during his visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, where he was to inspect restoration works following the 2019 fire. Additionally, the Pope refused to participate in a religious ceremony at the cathedral, which had been reopened for worship in December 2024. These rejections were seen as a clear indication that the Pope would not be used to further Macron's political agenda.
Despite the controversy, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Paris to catch a glimpse of the Pope. According to the Vatican, nearly 300,000 people attended the event, which was seen as a major success for the Pope. The Pope's visit to Algeria in April had also been highly successful, with the Pope praising the country's resistance to colonialism and its commitment to tolerance.
During his visit to Algeria, the Pope paid tribute to the country's history and its people, highlighting their struggle for independence and freedom. He also visited the Grand Mosque of Algiers, where he was accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed Maimoun Al-Qasimi Al-Husseini. The visit was seen as a powerful symbol of interfaith dialogue and tolerance.
The Pope's rejections of Macron's protocol requests were seen as a clear indication that he would not be used to further the French president's political agenda. Macron had hoped to use the visit to boost his popularity, which has been damaged by his handling of various crises. However, the Pope's actions made it clear that he would not be party to Macron's political games.
The visit also highlighted the complex relationship between France and Algeria, which has been marked by a troubled colonial past. Macron's attempts to use the Pope's visit to further his own agenda were seen as a attempt to rewrite history and downplay France's role in the colonial era. However, the Pope's actions and words made it clear that he would not be party to such efforts.
In the end, the Pope's visit to France and Algeria was seen as a success, with the Pope emerging as a champion of tolerance and interfaith dialogue. The visit also highlighted the importance of Algeria as a symbol of resistance to colonialism and its commitment to human values. The Pope's actions and words will likely have a lasting impact on the complex relationship between France and Algeria.
Key points
- The Pope rejected several protocol elements planned by the French presidency, including a formal lunch or dinner with President Emmanuel Macron.
- The Pope praised Algeria's resistance to colonialism and its commitment to tolerance during his visit in April.
- The visit highlighted the complex relationship between France and Algeria, which has been marked by a troubled colonial past.
