Fatshimetrie, the leading online news platform, brings you exclusive details of Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium at the end of September 2024. The sovereign pontiff landed on Belgian soil in a rainy atmosphere on Thursday evening, warmly welcomed by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, as well as by senior dignitaries of the Belgian government.
This pastoral visit is of a historic nature, part of the celebrations of the 600th anniversary of the Catholic Universities of Louvain and Louvain-la-Neuve in 2025. Pope Francis responded favorably to the invitation of the Belgian authorities, thus marking a high point in relations between the Catholic Church and Belgium.
The official program of the papal visit includes meetings with the royal family, political authorities, clergy and the faithful. The Holy Father will also visit the two Catholic Universities to interact with students and professors, demonstrating his commitment to education and youth.
Particular attention is being paid to the issue of sexual abuse within the Church, with Pope Francis meeting with victims in Brussels to express his solidarity and compassion. This move symbolises the Church’s determination to address past scandals and to put in place measures to prevent such acts in the future.
The Pope’s visit to Belgium is an opportunity for the country’s Catholic faithful to experience moments of contemplation, exchange and communion with the head of the Roman Church. It bears witness to the importance of interreligious dialogue and the Church’s necessary openness to the challenges of contemporary society.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium is a major historical and spiritual event, marking an important step for the Catholic Church in its commitment to peace, justice and reconciliation. Fatshimetrie will continue to inform you in real time about the developments of this papal visit and about religious news around the world.