Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society.

Pope Francis, on his first visit to Corsica, praised the island people's deep faith and tradition of popular piety. On December 5, thousands of Corsicans gathered in Ajaccio to welcome the first pope ever to visit the island.

For the first time ever, a pope set foot on Corsican soil. On December 15, Pope Francis' visit to the French Mediterranean island sparked immense emotion. The Argentine pope, who felt "at home," praised the "healthy secularism" experienced on the island,