Nabia came from Lebanon to attend the pope’s mass: “We
“Lebanon is in a very difficult situation and we want to pray for our country,” says Nabia, who came from Lebanon with her children and friends. “In our hearts there is much hope,” she confided. Nabia is waiting for a word from the Pope about Lebanon but “knows that the Pope has Lebanon in his heart.”
09h17
The Pope will take a walkabout before his mass
Between 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the Pope will stroll between Brussels Expo and the King Baudouin stadium, following a predefined route. He will take the time to greet the crowd and then tour the stadium in his popemobile. At 10 a.m., the mass will begin and last 1 hour. Then he will return to Rome.
08h52
“I met 3 popes”
Some faithful met other popes before Francis. This is the case of Jean-François, known as Castor, one of the founders of one of the branches of scouting in Belgium.
08h48
With what hat will the Pope speak this Sunday?
The Pope has a double hat: political and spiritual. Our journalist Christophe Giltay explains which the Pope will wear today during his speech.
08h45
Spectators must be present at 8:40 a.m. maximum while the mass begins at 10 a.m.
Welcoming 39,000 people to the King Baudouin stadium takes time. The organizers of the papal mass asked the faithful to come at 8:40 a.m. at the latest to be ready for the start of the pope’s mass, scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
08h41
“500 media outlets have been accredited to cover the Pope’s 4-day visit”
This mass is an international event. It is broadcast all over the world. “This involves very impressive technical and logistical resources”reports our journalist Amélie Schildt.
08h39
The atmosphere begins to rise in the King Baudouin stadium
Some faithful slept in front of the gates of the King Baudouin stadium to be present in the early hours. The stadium gates opened around 6:30 a.m. Inside the stadium, the Christians began to settle into a particularly jovial atmosphere.
08:35
The crowd enters the stadium to attend the Pope’s mass
Around the stadium, there was excitement this Sunday morning. Hundreds of spectators are accessing the stands.
08h11
“I am waiting for the Pope to give us a strong message”
Hélène, a Belgian Christian living in Switzerland, has many expectations regarding the pope’s speech. “I’m curious to know what the pope is going to say, she declared. I am waiting for a strong message to give us hope and joy. The joy of the Gospel, the joy of being Christian. And I hope my children will enjoy some wonderful family time.”
07h59
Apolline and her family come from Switzerland to see the Pope
“It’s not every day that we get to see him”said the little girl, accompanied by her Swiss family.
07h58
Spectators settle into the stadium where 39,000 people are expected
07h44
“Happy to pray with the Pope”
In the heart of the crowd gathering around the stadium, our journalist Marwa Sebahi interviews spectators: “We are very happy that the Pope is in Belgium, declares Amélie, who came with her friends Charlotte and Astrid. We are happy to see him and to be able to pray with him.”
07h32
The security system is important
The 39,000 spectators must first pass through the security gates where their personal belongings are checked.
07h30
The stadium doors are open
Our journalist Charlotte Simonart reports that the stadium doors are finally open. The 39,000 spectators can begin to settle in after passing through the security gates.
07h09
“Hundreds of people”
According to our journalist Amélie Schildt, the lines are lengthening in front of the entrances to the King Baudouin stadium. “There are hundreds of people”she reports.
07h00
Many spectators are already present in front of the gates of the King Baudouin stadium
“The stadium doors are not yet open”reports our journalist Charlotte Simonart, sent on site for RTL info. Many spectators (including many families) were already present.
06h49
The mass given to King Baudouin will be broadcast on giant screens in Koekelberg
The mass presided over by the Pope at the King Baudouin Stadium can be followed on giant screens in the Koekelberg Basilica on Sunday September 29.
06h30
The Pope will give a mass in front of 39,000 spectators at the King Baudouin stadium from 10 a.m.
The Pope’s trip is coming to an end soon. He will give a mass at 10 a.m. in front of 39,000 spectators at the King Baudouin stadium. The stadium will be accessible from 6 a.m. All worshipers must be in their numbered place no later than 8:30 a.m.
20h00
Pope Francis makes a surprise visit to young people during the Hope Happening festival at Heysel
Pope Francis, aged 87, made an impromptu visit to a few thousand young people gathered on the Heysel plateau in Brussels during the Hope Happening religious festival. The surprise was shared by the Vatican on the social network X and confirmed by the organization of the event.
