Pope Francis began his trip to Corsica yesterday, starting from the Palais des Congrès in Ajaccio. In front of the Mediterranean Sea, which he described as a "one-of-a-kind sea" and the "cradle of civilizations", the Pontiff concluded the Congress on Popular Religiosity in the Mediterranean, the main event of his visit. He discussed faith, popular piety, and the concept of "healthy secularism" in his speech. The Pope cited Benedict XVI in reference to "laïcité," one of the founding principles of France, stating that it ensures that politics can operate without instrumentalizing religion, and that religion can exist freely, without political interference. “Secularism", Francis emphasized, “is unity-distinction, an indispensable balance for a virtuous society". He also motivated those in attendance, stating: “You have been working on this issue for a long time, and you are a virtuous example in Europe. Keep moving forward!".