Why do church bells stop ringing on the Thursday before Good Friday in France?

In France, church bells traditionally stop ringing on the Thursday before Good Friday as a sign of mourning for the crucifixion of Jesus. This practice symbolizes the somber nature of Holy Week, leading up to Easter. Instead of ringing, it is believed that the bells fly to Rome to receive a blessing from the Pope, returning on Easter Sunday to announce the resurrection. This custom adds to the solemnity and spiritual significance of the events leading up to Easter.