Position: [ 48°49N, 2°19E ]
Two hundred years ago, France was the theatre of a pretty violent Revolution which ended the rule of the monarchy as well as the rule of the clergy. The result is that, nowadays, France stands as a secular state with most French valuing laïcité as a very important part of society.
Waiting for the Pope in a parisian avenue
However, it doesn’t really indicate the extend to which French people feel strongly about religions. Catholicism to be more precise. France has a history of extremely pious kings and rulers to the extent of being the birthplace of cruisades and hosting a religious civil war.
These days, despite being a secular state, France still has one of the highest rates of church attendance in Europe.
The Pope traveling
So it was no surprise that parisians greeted today’s visit from the Pope with an important display of popular faith. 200 000 people came to listen to his mass. Some spent the night out to have the best view.
And later, as his car travelled the streets of Paris toward Notre-Dame, many more waited just for a chance to wave at him.
Indeed, catholicism is still alive and well in Paris.
Filed under: Europe, France | Tagged: Paris, traditions
