Pope Francis Calls on Religious Groups to Avoid Division

Pope Francis Calls on Religious Groups to Avoid Division

Pope Francis, during his one-day visit to the island of Corsica on Sunday, issued a warning to Christian religious groups, urging them to avoid stirring political divisions. He stated that spiritual practices which "promote polemics, narrow-mindedness, division, and exclusivity for one's own interest" should be avoided.

The Pope made these remarks at a conference in the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio, where he emphasized the need for church priests to be cautious of such popular spiritual practices and to exercise discernment (judgment).

This visit to the French island of Corsica was historic, as it marked the first time a pope had visited Corsica. During his visit, Pope Francis was scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and celebrate Mass with the local Catholic community in a public ceremony.

This trip was Pope Francis' third and possibly final foreign visit in 2024. He has consistently aimed to focus on "peripheral" or regional issues worldwide.

During the visit, Pope Francis arrived in Corsica one day before his 88th birthday and was seen seated in a chair, safely meeting with Vatican officials upon his arrival.