Vatican City: Pope Francis is set to visit the French island of Corsica, often referred to as the 'paradise of seascapes,' today. This marks his 47th foreign apostolic journey and his third visit to French soil, following trips to Strasbourg in 2014 and Marseille in 2023. The trip will be a brief one-day visit.

Ahead of his travels, the Pope spent yesterday afternoon at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where he entrusted his upcoming visit to Corsica to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering prayers in solitude. Afterward, he prayed alongside those gathered at the basilica’s Nativity scene. The journey to Corsica will be one of the Pope’s shortest international trips, covering only 186 miles.

Pope Francis will depart for Corsica by plane at 7:45 AM (12:15 PM IST) on Sunday, arriving at the Mediterranean island at 9 AM (1:30 PM IST). Upon arrival, he will meet with the local bishop, priests, pastoral workers, and the faithful. In the afternoon, he will celebrate Mass for the people of Corsica before meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Ajaccio International Airport. The Pope will return to Rome by plane at 7 PM.