Nuncio to France: ‘Pope Leo’s visit to deliver message of peace to a hesitant Europe’

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“The beauty of a Christian life is being rediscovered. A Christian life that is neither cheapened nor watered down, but one embraced in all its radicality and depth.”

In an interview with Vatican Media, this is how Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Apostolic Nuncio to France, described a renewal of the faith in the country.

During the conversation ahead of the Pope’s imminent Apostolic Journey to the European nation, with stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz, the Nuncio acknowledged the challenges facing the French people, but also pointed to great signs of hope, including for the Church in France.

Finally, he discussed the importance of the Pope’s address to UNESCO, his stop in Robert Schuman’s city of Metz and, most of all, his hope that the visit will “help strengthen this interest in Jesus Christ and the power of the Gospel, transforming these currently visible signs into a profound and lasting Catholic awakening.”

Archbishop Migliore, how would you describe the reception in France for Pope Leo’s visit?

Well, expectations are high. The Catholic community and indeed people beyond the Catholic fold greatly appreciated Pope Leo’s decision to dedicate one of his very first international trips to France. Preparations are intense and, I would say, enthusiastic, given that  registration for the major events in the three cities included in the Apostolic Journey was fully booked within days of opening. According to some polls, more than 80% of French people say they have a favourable opinion of Pope Leo. This broad consensus transcends religious and gender divides. His serenity, his peaceful and disarming nature, and his ability to convey a clear, persuasive message are seen as a strength and a source of confidence.

France is a country that carries considerable weight on the world stage in quite a few respects. In this context, what aspects of the Pope’s visit to the country do you think will attract attention beyond the country’s borders?

The social and ecclesiastical situation in France is common to those found in various other European countries, and not only [in France]. We eagerly look forward to gaining a better understanding of the Pope’s perspective on the growing desire among young people and adults to commit to the Christian life, as well as his affirmation of the faith and the Church’s commitment to the good of society.

Throughout your diplomatic career, you have served in various parts of the world and have spent several years in France. What has struck you most, or what have you observed about the Catholic faithful in the country?

What has delighted me since my arrival in France is the vitality of the French people in general, and of the country’s ecclesial community. My view of the Church in France is undoubtedly one of confidence and hope.

Pope Francis used to tell the French individuals and groups he met in Rome, “You are lucky. You have a Church in France that is creative and courageous.” Yes, there are problems and challenges, but the Church in France remains a creative Church.

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There is a great deal of flourishing activity and many initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting faith and charity. Today we are experiencing a shift from a pastoral approach based on management to one based on generativity, which means focusing on nurturing people’s faith.

The management model tended to measure the Church’s health primarily through statistics: the number of baptisms, Masses and religious weddings. The process of generating faith, however, emphasizes the missionary aspect, the proclamation of the Word of God and the witness that sparks or revives faith. A sense of searching is reawakening among the new generations, prompting them to set out on a journey. And in this way, the depth and beauty of a Christian life is being rediscovered. A Christian life that is neither cheapened nor watered down, but one embraced in all its radicality and depth.

Archbishop Migliore, what would you say are some of the greatest challenges for French society at this time?

The daily life of French people, which is becoming more and more difficult because of economic difficulties. And let’s take, for example, agriculture and also industry. And then there is the problem of social cohesion, the presence of many immigrants, different cultures, different languages. So there is the temptation, let’s say, of leaving the different groups living apart from the rest of society. Then there are problems also in the fields of education and health care. So there are many, many issues that, of course, the Pope will give a message of encouragement about, and also a message inviting all the different forces of society to cooperate in order to solve the problems.

France has this long-standing and deeply rooted Catholic tradition, although for many people today, the connection with those roots has become increasingly tenuous. Could this visit offer an opportunity for the French people to revisit and reflect on their national identity?

It is true that transmission of the faith through the usual channels—the parents’ catechism, teaching and lectures—reaches only a limited number of people. However, in recent months we have witnessed encouraging signs: a sharp rise in baptisms among young people and adults, the spiritual journeys of believers returning to the faith, and the participation of young people in national gatherings. Above all, initiatives focused on knowing and living out the Word of God, on prayer, particularly Eucharistic adoration, have revealed a Church full of vitality and fervour.

The Pope’s visit will help strengthen this interest in Jesus Christ and the power of the Gospel, transforming these currently visible signs into a profound and lasting Catholic awakening.

One of the key events on the programme is Pope Leo’s visit to UNESCO. At a time when there is much discussion around what some call a crisis facing major international institutions, what message can Pope Leo’s visit to UNESCO convey?

Well, as the acronym itself indicates, UNESCO deals primarily with issues related to education, science and culture. Closely linked to the anthropological perspective, now the Church considers a just anthropology to be a priority in reflection and decision-making in all areas of human life. And furthermore, education and culture are the foundation of the disarmed and disarming peace promoted by Pope Leo.

The Pope’s final stop will be Metz, where he will pay tribute to Robert Schuman, one of the founding figures of a united Europe. Many people today have the impression that the ideals that inspired Europe’s founding fathers no longer resonate as strongly among Europeans. In this context, what message do you believe could emerge from Pope Leo’s time there?

The visit to Metz, the city of statesman Robert Schuman, one of the principal architects of reconciliation and peace in Europe after the Second World War, will offer the Holy Father a privileged opportunity to deliver a message of peace and social cohesion to today’s hesitant Europe.

Lastly, Your Excellency, is there anything else you would like to add or any particular hope you have for Pope Leo’s visit to the country?

Well, a message of hope is expected from the Holy Father amid the difficulties facing French society today. Pope Leo does not fear the future, but approaches it with confidence, remaining faithful to the essential faith in Jesus Christ, solidarity and peace everywhere.