French Jerusalem
In the mid-19th century, France rediscovered Palestine. At that moment, not only France but also other European countries and the Vatican had their ambitions in this part of the weakened Ottoman Empire. For centuries, the images of the Crusaders and their struggle against les infidèles have shaped the vision of the Holy Land. These images nourished the belief in the right of France, the eldest daughter of the Church , to represent Christians in Palestine. French policy during this period was ambiguous. The government defended anticlerical and republican values and tried to reduce the influence of Catholics. In Palestine, on the contrary, the French leaders supported religious communities and organizations. One of the activities of religious actors was a pilgrimage.At the beginning of the 19th century, journeys to the Holy Land became a popular narrative for French novelists. It has also contributed to the popularity of pilgrimages. The Assumptionist Congregation organized a repentance pilgrimage to Palestine in 1882. That was the culmination of the French golden age in Palestine, both from a religious and political point of view. Representatives of all social groups took part in this pilgrimage, and its faith-based nature, free from the idle curiosity of travelers, was repeatedly emphasized by the organizers.