Welcome to Pope Francis’s Apostolic Trip to Belgium and Luxembourg
Get ready for a whirlwind four days filled with meetings and appointments as Pope Francis embarks on his apostolic trip to Belgium and Luxembourg from September 26 to 29. The Vatican Press Office has released the official program for the Pope’s international journey.
Arrival in Luxembourg
Touching down in Luxembourg on Thursday morning, September 26, after a two-hour flight, the Pope’s first stop is packed with official ceremonies and meetings. The papal plane is set to land at Luxembourg/Findel airport at 10:00 a.m., where a warm welcome awaits.
Following a courtesy visit to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg at the Grand Ducal Palace at 10:45 a.m., Pope Francis will engage with the Prime Minister and authorities at the Cercle Cité at 11:15 a.m., delivering his first speech of the trip.
Meeting with the Catholic Community and Departure to Brussels
In the afternoon, the Pontiff will address the Catholic community at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg at 4:30 p.m. After bidding farewell to Luxembourg at 5:45 p.m., the Pope will head to Brussels. A welcome ceremony will greet him upon arrival at the Melsbroek air base at 7:10 p.m.
Meetings with the King of Belgium, Authorities, and University Students
The second day of the trip in Belgium will start with a royal courtesy visit, followed by meetings with the Prime Minister, authorities, and civil society. In the afternoon, Pope Francis will engage with university professors at the Catholic University of Leuven.
Appointment with Clergy and Young People
Saturday features a meeting with various religious figures and a gathering with university students, culminating in a private meeting with the Society of Jesus members.
The Closing Mass
The trip wraps up on Sunday with a grand mass at the King Baudouin stadium followed by a farewell ceremony at Melsbroek Air Base.
