He would have liked so much that the event had taken place at the time, not so long ago, when he was still mayor. But Jean-Claude Gaudin is not choosy. A self-confessed practicing Catholic, the man who presides over Marseille Espérance, a unique ecumenical association, was present behind the scenes before the Pope’s arrival and is impatiently awaiting the mass which will be celebrated at the Vélodrome on September 23.
Le Point: What does the pope’s coming to Marseille mean to you?
Jean-Claude Gaudin: I have written so much to the Vatican, asked so much of the Pope when I met him in Rome, as well as of his representatives in France, that he come to Marseille… His coming is for me a considerable event. I have never hidden my closeness to the Catholic clergy and I continue to maintain relationships, sometimes friendship, with some of their dignitaries. I will obviously be present at mass at the Vélodrome, if my health allows me. But I’ll make sure I’m in good shape.
No frustration that he didn’t come before?
I sincerely thought that the Pope would come to Marseille when I was mayor. I also had fun saying that I would not leave my position at city hall until he set foot in the Old Port. I can assure you that it made people cringe and choke. But it is my successor who will have this chance. Just as he has the chance to host the Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games in Marseille, which will be beneficial to him in this delicate moment that is the mid-term. But Benoît Payan had the kindness to associate me with the pope’s coming.
In what way?
The Pope will go to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and then preside over an ecumenical ceremony in memory of all those who died at sea. This is important for him who is very involved in the fate reserved for migrants. The city association, Marseille Espérance, which the current mayor was kind enough to let me chair, will be in the front row during this ceremony. And then I make no secret of having worked a lot behind the scenes for months and years. I also took care of certain things, such as the arrival of Christine Lagarde, who will speak to the young Mediterraneans brought together by Father Leproux. It’s all part of a whole. For a few days, Marseille will offer its most beautiful image.
Personally, how do you deal with this?
It’s considerable, it’s a form of achievement after all these years of hoping and working for it. I remember a visit to Rome where I explained to Pope Benedict XVI how Marseille was a city that extended its arms to him, as it is open to others and to foreigners, integrating all waves of immigration . I then told him that the Church was doing well here. He raised his hand as he leaned toward me and said, “Thank God. » For the rest, faith is lived more than it is told. It was normal for me to welcome the Aquarius, the SOS Méditerranée boat, even if it meant being trashed by the friends of the National Rally!
What are you doing with Marseille Espérance?
This association, which regularly brings together dignitaries of all religions in Marseille, works and acts among young people in particular to convey messages of tolerance and respect. She is careful not to enter into communitarianism. We recently received the Minister of the Interior and Religious Affairs at the Pharo Palace. We work discreetly, but every little gesture helps§
