Pope Francis is expected in France tomorrow for a two-day visit. In the second largest city of Marseille, the head of the Catholic Church participates in a youth meeting with participants from 29 countries in the Mediterranean region.
The focus of attention will probably be the fate of refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe from Africa via the Mediterranean.
Thousands of people landed on the Italian island of Lampedusa alone this month. Fatal incidents also occur repeatedly.
Migration in focus
The Pope wants to pause at the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, at a monument to migrants who drowned in the Mediterranean. Francisco, 86 years old, will probably comment on the current problems in the country. According to French sources, migration will also be an important topic at the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday.
On Saturday, the Pope will also celebrate a mass at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille, for which around 60 thousand faithful are expected. Macron will also be there. This led to discussions in France, where a strict separation between state and religion is observed. Up to 100,000 spectators are expected along the route that Francisco will travel with the Popemobile.