(ZENIT News / Luxembourg City, 09.26.2024).- On the morning of Thursday, September 26, Pope Francis set off on his 46th international apostolic journey, visiting the nations of Luxembourg and Belgium. His departure from Rome was marked by a special, intimate moment when a group of ten homeless individuals, who often find shelter under the colonnades of St. Peter’s Square, gathered at Casa Santa Marta to greet the Holy Father. Accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, the group offered their heartfelt farewells as the Pope embarked on his journey.
Shortly after, the Pope made his way to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport, boarding an ITA Airways flight bound for Luxembourg at 8:29 AM. By 9:56 AM, the plane touched down at Luxembourg-Findel International Airport, where a formal welcome awaited him.
Upon arrival, Pope Francis was greeted by Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and Prime Minister Luc Frieden. The reception included two children presenting flowers to the Pope as part of the ceremonial welcome. After honoring the flags and receiving a military salute, the Pope proceeded to the Grand Ducal Palace for a formal visit with the Grand Duke and his family.
At the palace, the Pope signed the official guestbook and posed for photos with the Grand Ducal family before engaging in private discussions with the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Frieden met with senior Vatican officials to discuss diplomatic matters.
Later in the morning, Pope Francis addressed Luxembourg’s civil authorities, political leaders, and representatives of the diplomatic corps at Cercle Cité. Accompanied by Grand Duke Henri, the Grand Duchess, and the Prime Minister, the Pope shared his reflections on societal responsibility and the importance of fostering peace and unity, emphasizing the need for human fraternity in times of division.
After concluding his formal meetings, the Pope made his way to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg, where he was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich. There, Pope Francis met with the Catholic community, including local children who greeted him with flowers. The visit to the cathedral was marked by cultural performances, including a dance inspired by “Laudato Si’” and testimonies from local church members.
In a particularly moving moment, the Pope stood before the statue of the “Consolatrix Afflictorum”, Luxembourg’s patroness, to offer a prayer. Cardinal Hollerich led the opening prayer of the Marian Jubilee, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the statue’s veneration.
As the day came to a close, Pope Francis bade farewell to Luxembourg during a formal departure ceremony at Luxembourg-Findel International Airport, where he was again greeted by the Grand Ducal family and Prime Minister Frieden. Boarding a Luxair flight, the Pope departed for Brussels, landing at Melsbroek Air Base at 7:06 PM.
Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde personally welcomed Pope Francis upon his arrival. After a warm reception, complete with a floral tribute from local children, the Pope proceeded to the Apostolic Nunciature in Brussels, where he would begin the second leg of his visit.
This journey, marked by meaningful encounters and moments of reflection, is another step in Pope Francis’ mission of promoting peace, unity, and dialogue in an increasingly divided world. The Pope’s itinerary, filled with high-level meetings and interactions with local communities, sets the tone for continued efforts to build bridges across cultures and faiths during his visit to Belgium.
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