On his return flight from Singapore to Rome on Friday, September 13th, Pope Francis reacted to the invitation extended to him to travel to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, scheduled for December 7-8. The pontiff vehemently explained that he did not wish to attend.
“I will not go to Paris, I will not go to Paris”: It was in an emphatic tone that Pope Francis made known his response to the invitation extended by the archbishop of Paris and the French government. They have invited him to attend the reopening of Notre Dame de Paris, five years after the terrible fire that almost destroyed one of the world’s most famous churches.
The decision may come as a surprise, as it is an event of great symbolic significance, extending far beyond the borders of France. Notre Dame remains one of the most visited churches in the world—even more than St Peter’s in Rome. The fire that almost destroyed it moved many people on the planet and led to expressions of sympathy from all over the world, including non-believers.
After declaring his refusal to travel to Paris, the Pope was asked about his forthcoming trips. Although he expressed the wish to visit his native Argentina, nothing has been confirmed. However, he did hint that his next destination would be the Canary Islands, to “be close to the local authorities and the people.” The islands are currently overwhelmed by the influx of refugees from Africa, who are choosing this route to Spain following the tightening of conditions for landing in Italy.
This would be a visit similar to the one he made to the island of Lampedusa in 2013, at the start of his pontificate.
