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Missak Manouchian at the Pantheon: how does pantheonization happen?
Missak Manouchian at the Pantheon: how does pantheonization happen? – (FRANCEINFO)
It is one of the highlights of French history. The Pantheon pays tribute to the approximately 81 personalities who rest there, writers, scientists and even politicians.
The latest entry into the Pantheon was that of Joséphine Baker and, from Wednesday February 21, the resistance fighter Missak Manouchian and his wife will be buried there. “The pace of pantheonization has never been as important as since the 1980s“, explains Patrick Garcia, historian and professor at the University of Cergy-Pontoise (Val-d’Oise).
217 free slots
There are few rules for entering the Pantheon. French nationality is not required. A decree of May 26, 1885 only specifies that “the remains of the great men who deserved well for the country will be deposited there.” Under the Fifth Republic, only the head of state is authorized to choose who can enter the Pantheon. The decision is published by decree in the Official Journal. The Pantheon can accommodate up to 300 tombs. After the pantheonization of Manouchian and his wife, there will remain 217 free spaces.
