(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 15 - Pope Francis on Sunday became the first pontiff to visit Corsica.
    He was on the French island to speak at a Conference on Popular Religiosity in the Mediterranean.
    He also presided over Mass during his 47th Apostolic Journey abroad and reiterated his appeal for peace during a meeting with the clergy and religious of Corsica.
    "From this island of the Mediterranean, we raise a plea for peace: peace for all the lands that face this sea, especially for the Holy Land where Mary gave birth to Jesus," he said.
    "Peace for Palestine, for Israel, for Lebanon, for Syria, for the entire Middle East! Peace in tormented Myanmar".
    He went on to pray to "the Holy Mother of God" for "the long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian people and the Russian people.
    "They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world".
    Francis is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron before returning to Rome later on Sunday. (ANSA).