Pope Francis is currently resting due to a light flu, prompting the cancellation of his scheduled audiences as a precaution before his upcoming trip to Luxembourg and Belgium from September 26 to 29. Despite his recent illness, the Vatican has confirmed that the trip remains on schedule, with a focus on addressing significant themes such as peace, climate, and migration during his visit to these two European nations.
The Pope's itinerary includes meetings with the Catholic community in Luxembourg and a significant visit to the University of Leuven in Belgium, which marks its 600th anniversary. The visit comes at a time when the Catholic Church in Belgium faces declining attendance and a serious reckoning with sexual abuse cases, with plans for the Pope to meet privately with victims during his stay.
Pope Francis's trip will not include meetings with European Union or NATO leaders, reflecting a shift in focus to local issues within the Catholic Church. The highlight of his visit will be a Holy Mass at the Rey Baldovino stadium, where he will beatify Ana de Jesús, a notable figure in the history of the Catholic Church.
- Pope Francis's recent trip to Asia and Oceania, which took place earlier this month, was one of his most extensive, covering 32,000 kilometers across several countries. His return to Europe marks a significant transition as he aims to reconnect with the Catholic community in regions facing challenges.
- In Belgium, recent statistics reveal a troubling trend for the Catholic Church, with a 40% decrease in Sunday mass attendance since 2017 and a significant drop in the number of priests and religious clergy. These issues underscore the challenges the Pope will address during his visit.
