The lowering of flags for Pope Francis reignites the secularism debate in France.

Robin D’Angelo, Mariama Darame, Benoît Floc’h, Nathalie Segaunes26 April 2025
Some left-wing political leaders have condemned what they see as a breach of France's neutrality principle.

While some mayors refuse to follow the directive, far-right and right-wing officials have obeyed the national instructions.