Welcome to Belgium as Pope Francis embarks on a three-day apostolic visit filled with significant events and encounters.
Arriving at Melsbroek Air Base in Brussels after a short flight from Luxembourg, the Pope kicks off the second leg of his 46th apostolic trip abroad.
Warmly welcomed by Archbishop Franco Coppola and the Belgian ambassador to the Holy See, Patrick Renault, Pope Francis was greeted by Archbishop Luc Terlinden and a delegation of religious and civil authorities upon landing. An honour guard, a military band, and a children’s choir added to the festive welcome.
The last Pope to visit Belgium was Saint John Paul II in 1995.
After a brief welcome ceremony, Pope Francis will settle at the Apostolic Nunciature for his stay in Belgium.
Tomorrow morning, the Pope will meet with King Leopold Lodewijk Maria and Queen Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz at Laeken Castle before addressing authorities and civil society representatives.
A special highlight of the visit will be the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the Catholic University of Louvain, known for its distinguished theology faculty. The trip concludes on September 29 with a Mass at Brussels Stadium, expected to draw over 35,000 faithful.
September 26 marks the beginning of Pope Francis’ 46th Apostolic Journey, spanning Luxembourg and Belgium.
