The first leg of Francis’ 46th apostolic journey ended at Luxembourg-Findel International Airport. After meeting with the Catholic community in the cathedral, the Pontiff arrived at 7:06 p.m. in Belgium, in Brussels, at the Melsbroek air base. The journey will continue for three days, until Sunday.
Vatican News
Pope Francis arrived in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, the second leg of his journey to the centre of Europe, at 7:06 pm at the Melsbroek airbase, where a welcoming ceremony took place. After the landing of the Luxair Boeing 737, the Apostolic Nuncio in Belgium, Monsignor Franco Coppola, and the head of Belgian protocol boarded the plane to welcome the Pope. When the Sovereign Pontiff got off the plane, hymns greeted his arrival on Belgian soil. He was then welcomed by King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and two children who offered him flowers. After the national anthems, the delegations were presented, with the Archbishop of Malines-Brussels, Monsignor Luc Terlinden, among the Vatican delegation. The papal procession then headed to the Apostolic Nunciature.
The last meeting and departure from Luxembourg
After an intense meeting with the Luxembourg Catholic community in the cathedral, which he left around 6 p.m., Pope Francis took leave of Luxembourg, accompanied to the airport by Grand Duke Henri and his wife Maria-Teresa. After the official greetings, the Luxair Boeing 737 with Francis, the papal entourage and journalists on board took off for Brussels at 6:38 p.m. On leaving the country, the Pope sent a telegram to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, thanking him, the civil authorities and the entire nation for the warm welcome and kind hospitality. Assuring his prayers, he invoked God’s blessing on all Luxembourgers “for unity, fraternity and peace”.
The program for the first day of Friday in Belgium
Tomorrow, Friday 27 September, in Belgium, the second day of the trip will begin shortly after 9 am with a courtesy visit to the King of the Belgians at the Château de Laeken. This visit will be followed, at 9:45 am, by a meeting with the Prime Minister and, at 10 am, by a meeting with the authorities and civil society, during which Francis will deliver his first speech in Belgium. In the afternoon, at 4:30 pm, the Sovereign Pontiff will meet university professors in the “Promotiezaal” of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, one of the oldest universities in Europe, which will celebrate its 600th anniversary of foundation in 2025. A speech is also planned on this occasion.
