Marseille - Pope Francis touched upon the profound significance of faith and the transformative power it holds in his homily delivered during Mass in Marseille on 23rd September. He emphasized that those who have faith "'leap for joy'" because they can discern the presence of the Lord in their lives.

Conversely, a cold and indifferent heart, Pope Francis warned, becomes hardened and insensitive, leading to the tragic disregard for human life—a sentiment reflected in the rejection of immigrants, the plight of unborn children, and the abandonment of the elderly.

The Holy Father contrasted this with the hearts of those who truly believe in God and recognize His presence in everyday events. These hearts "'leap for joy'" and are filled with a sense of movement and divine connection, akin to how David danced before the Ark of the Covenant.

Continuing his focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis stressed her role as the true Ark of the Covenant. Her visit to Elizabeth, as recounted in the Gospel, serves as a powerful reminder of God's loving visitation to humanity, inviting us to "'exult with joy.'"

True faith, Pope Francis continued, encourages us to reach out to our neighbors, just as Mary immediately assisted Elizabeth upon hearing of her relative's miraculous pregnancy. He highlighted that God's visitation is often experienced in the simplicity of encounters with others, underscoring the relational nature of God and the importance of openness to fellow human beings.

Pope Francis acknowledged the diversity seen in European cities as a force against excessive individualism, selfishness, and rejection, which can lead to loneliness and suffering.

In conclusion, he called for a renewed leap of faith, charity, and hope in the Church, France, and Europe. He urged people to rekindle their enthusiasm, reawaken their commitment to fraternity, and dare to love their families and the weakest among them, drawing inspiration from the Gospel that celebrates the beauty of life.

Pope Francis' Return Visit to Basilica and Reflection on Migration
Following his impactful message during Mass in Marseille, Pope Francis returned to Rome, making a significant stop at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. At the Basilica, he paused in prayer before the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, expressing gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her maternal protection throughout his Apostolic Journey to Marseille. 

During his visit to Marseille, Pope Francis placed a spotlight on the issue of migration, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity, especially those who are on the move. He participated in the final session of the Mediterranean Meetings, where he stressed the Mediterranean's historical role as a place of encounter based on shared humanity.

In a world marked by conflicts, Pope Francis called for the Mediterranean to return to being a "'laboratory of peace.'"

He highlighted the need to enhance the region's contribution to peace amidst today's sea of conflicts, emphasizing the shared responsibility to foster dialogue and understanding.