[Verginius Rufus]

French governments have a long history of insulting popes.

Philip IV and Pope Boniface VIII.
The Directory and Pope Pius VI.
Napoleon I and Pope Pius VII.

At least Pope Francis won't be beaten up or imprisoned if he refuses to kowtow to the French government.

[Morpheus2009]

That’s an understatement, the French even had their own pope for a time.