Pope Francis is set to embark on a four-day visit to Belgium and Luxembourg from September 26 to 29, despite suffering from a mild flu. This visit will focus on highlighting the challenges faced by migrants and include a meeting with survivors of clerical abuse. The Vatican confirmed that the 87-year-old pontiff, who had to cancel meetings earlier due to flu symptoms, will continue with the scheduled trip.
This rare European tour comes shortly after Francis completed a 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania. During his visit, he will celebrate the 600th anniversary of two Belgian Catholic universities, while also addressing issues like migration and the declining attendance in Catholic services.
Belgium, like many countries, has faced revelations of clerical sexual abuse within the Church. Over 700 reports of abuse have been made in the country since 2012. In a private session, Pope Francis is expected to meet 15 survivors of clerical abuse, a significant moment during the tour.
A key part of the pope’s agenda is meeting with migrants and refugees. Luc Sels, the rector of KU Leuven, one of the universities celebrating its anniversary, revealed that the pope will hear testimonies from refugees studying at the university and later engage in private conversations with some of them. The event is expected to be a personal and impactful moment.
Belgium has been facing rising migration levels, with the European Council on Refugees and Exiles reporting a “severe reception crisis” in May. Last year alone, Belgium provided temporary protection to around 60,000 refugees. Francis’ visit aims to shed light on the plight of these migrants.
The tour will start with a stop in Luxembourg, followed by a visit to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Despite his recent health issues, the pope was reportedly in good condition during his recent trip to Asia and Oceania. He will return to Rome on Sunday afternoon.
Belgium, once a stronghold of Catholicism, has seen a significant decline in church attendance. Though the Vatican states that 72% of the population identifies as Catholic, only about 11% attend church regularly. Luxembourg, home to 271,000 Catholics out of a population of 654,000, will also be part of the pope’s itinerary.