Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, has expressed hope that Pope Léon XIV’s visit will include strong messages on solidarity, peace, and the fight against racism. The mayor will personally host the pope, who will later attend a prayer vigil at the Stade de France. Bagayoko will be present at the event as an individual, not in his official role as mayor, highlighting the spiritual and personal significance of the occasion for him. Bagayoko has drawn attention to the pressing issues faced by residents of Saint-Denis, including the rising cost of fuel, which has forced some families to choose between buying food and fuel for commuting to work. He expressed hope that the French president would take decisive action, such as freezing fuel prices, to address the growing crisis. He also highlighted the declining purchasing power of French citizens and the urgent need for government measures to stabilize the prices of essential goods. On the topic of the "permis de tuer" (license to kill) law, which allows police to assume self-defense when using firearms, Bagayoko criticized the law for normalizing deaths caused by police, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods. He called for a re-examination of the state’s practices and emphasized that the law is unacceptable, despite a reported decrease in lethal police shootings. Bagayoko stressed the need for systemic change to address the disproportionate impact of such laws on marginalized communities. Bagayoko also commented on the recent euthanasia law passed in France, which he acknowledged as a step forward for society. However, he stated that if he were a member of parliament, he would have abstained from voting on the law due to the ongoing public debate and differing views on the issue. He emphasized the importance of respecting diverse perspectives while moving forward with legislation. Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Bagayoko stressed the need for political unity and criticized those who oppose alliances with the left-wing party La France Insoumise. He argued that coherence and clarity are essential for building a strong political strategy. Additionally, he praised judo champion Teddy Riner for his courage in speaking out against online racist attacks and urged others to uphold republican values in the face of far-right hostility.