Pope Francis began his visit to Belgium with a simple but meaningful gesture, sharing coffee and croissants with refugees and the poor at St. Giles Parish, known for its ministry to the homeless, including teaching trades like brewing beer.
He then attended his first official meeting at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with clergy and laity, where he addressed the Synod, emphasizing a return to the Gospel over “fashionable” reforms. The Pope challenged everyone to consider how to spread the Gospel in a society that has drifted from faith.
Later, Pope Francis visited the University of Louvain, one of the world’s oldest colleges, celebrating its 600th anniversary. Speaking to students, he underscored the unique and vital role of women in the Church, stressing that women’s contributions should be celebrated in their distinctiveness rather than equated with men.
Before leaving on Sunday, the Holy Father celebrated Mass with nearly 40,000 attendees at Belgium’s national stadium. He delivered a powerful message against abuse, urging bishops and everyone to condemn abusers and bring evil to light, calling for transparency and accountability in confronting the issue.
In a surprise announcement, Pope Francis revealed plans to open the beatification process for King Baudouin, a Catholic monarch from the 20th century, who chose to abdicate temporarily in 1990 rather than sign a law legalizing abortion.