Macron intends to attend Pope's Mass in Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron intends to visit Marseille during the visit of Pope Francis, to pay tribute to him, and will attend a mass with the participation of the pontiff as head of state, which does not contradict the secular nature of the republic, according to Report.

"Given that we host in France the head of state, who is the Pope, who comes to us to celebrate Mass at the Vélodrome stadium, I believe that this is the place where I should go. I will not go there as a Catholic, but as president of the French Republic, which is secular. I will go there to show respect. I will not engage in religious worship during Mass," Macron said during a trip to the commune.

Answering the question whether this violates the principle of secularism of government agencies and society, Macron assured that the state itself and all its services adhere to a neutral approach. According to the president, "secularism is a freedom that implies the non-interference of religion in politics," French society allows "belief or disbelief in this or that philosophy."

"I can attend religious events regardless of religion, whether they are sad or rather joyful events," he added.