GAD3’s Communications Director, María Chamorro, appeared on Trece TV’s “Ecclesia al Día” program to share her impressions after closely following the Pope’s visit to the shrine in Lourdes, one of the stops on his apostolic trip to France.
During her appearance, Chamorro highlighted the shift in the public expression of faith in France and summed up her impression with one phrase: “France is no longer afraid; it no longer hides in churches.” She also emphasized that the images of the faithful in the streets accurately reflect current statistics. “This year alone, baptisms of adults and young people in France have increased by 40% compared to 2025, but in 2025 they had already increased by 35% compared to the previous year,” he noted.
She also explained that the visit’s theme, “So That the World May Have Life,” resonated with participants at the various gatherings and has restored life to the place it deserves. In her view, the visit will help restore the sense of the sacred that had been lost in France.
In this regard, the director of Alfa y Omega, Cristina Sánchez, emphasized the importance of human dignity and of “not neglecting the care-giving society in a context marked by increasingly pronounced utilitarianism.” Chamorro emphasized that “the Pope has made it a priority to place vulnerable, sick, or socially excluded people at the center of his trip,” noting that the Pope’s remarks carry significant political weight, directed at both civil society and world leaders.
In conclusion, she added that during his trip to France, faith was lived out “with the deepest respect” and with a devotion that perfectly defines the character of the Pope’s latest visit to our neighboring country.
Here is part of her appearance. If you’d like to see his full interview, click here. [Min 51 to 1:01]
