After an extraordinary tour in Asia and OceaniaPope Francis will visit Belgium from September 26 to 29, 2024, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven, the Belgian Dutch-speaking Catholic university. A visit marked by renewal and optimism, as announced in the event’s slogan: “On the road with Hope”.
Unveiled last July by the Vatican, the official program The head of the Catholic Church is looking to be a busy one.
Belgian Christians at the meeting
Pope Francis, who will have made a one-day visit to Luxembourg on the eve of his arrival in Belgium, will land at the Melsbroeck air base on the evening of Thursday, September 26. Christians could be present to welcome him, indicated Tommy Scholtes, spokesman for the Belgian bishops. The Belgian Church intends to show that it is there of the papal visit.
Meetings of local authorities
Pope Francis will begin his stay on Friday, September 27, with a meeting with the country’s official authorities. The pontiff will carry out a courtesy visit to the King of the Belgians at Leaken Castle in Brussels, then will meet with the resigning Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
Welcoming refugees and ecological transition at the heart of the meeting with Catholic students
The Pope’s visit is part of the 6th centenary of the “Katholieke Universiteit Leuven”he will meet with teachers and students of the Dutch-speaking establishment on Friday, September 27, for an exchange on the university’s commitment to the most vulnerable people in society, particularly refugees.
A meeting with the students of Louvain-La-Neuve is also scheduled for Saturday, September 28. Under the banner of ecological transition, this meeting will be an opportunity to highlight the scientific advances and actions undertaken by UC Louvain.
Hope Happening, the Belgian Christian youth festival
On the occasion of the Pope’s visit, the Hope Happening will look like Belgian Christian youth Saturday, September 27. The event will begin with a pilgrimage to Brussels and continue with a festival of activities, in which will be participated in particular Father Guilherme, the DJ priest which had left its mark on the spirits during the WYD in Lisbon. A prayer for peace and hope will close this day.
Exchanges with Belgian religious leaders
During his stay, the head of the Catholic Church will also devote time to local religious leaders. The Holy Father will meet with bishops, priests and deacons at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg on Saturday morning, September 27, and will then meet privately with members of the company of jesus at the Collège Saint Michel in Brussels in the afternoon.
Meeting of 15 victims of sexual abuse
Pope Francis will also speak with 15 people victims of sexual abuse. This pastoral exchange will take place in complete discretion. The Church does not wish to communicate about this meeting before it takes place, in order to preserve a climate of listening and encounter.
Giant mass at the King Baudouin stadium
On Sunday, September 29, the last day of his visit, Pope Francis will preside a giant mass at the King Baudouin stadium at 10 a.m. So that the 40,000 to 50,000 followers of all nationalities can all follow the event, Giant screens will be installed around the stadium. The Belgian royal family has announced that it will also be present during this celebration.
