(ZENIT News / Bruxelles, 09.28.2024).- On Saturday, September 28, Pope Francis continued his significant visit to Belgium with a series of key encounters that showcased his dedication to engaging with all sectors of society. From meetings with European leaders to heartfelt moments with the homeless and students, the Pope’s day was marked by reflection, dialogue, and a commitment to social justice.
Morning at Saint Gilles Church: Compassion for the Homeless
Pope Francis began his Saturday morning with a brief but meaningful exchange at the Apostolic Nunciature in Brussels, where he greeted key European figures including Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission, and World Health Organization representatives. True to his personal style, the Pope also took time to engage with local people, particularly children, gathered outside the Nunciature to catch a glimpse of him.
His next stop, the Church of Saint Gilles, set the tone for a day focused on serving the vulnerable. In a poignant moment, Pope Francis met with homeless individuals supported by the parish. This visit underscored his deep commitment to those marginalized by society, reinforcing the Church’s mission of outreach and compassion. The Pope’s interactions were simple yet profound, highlighting his belief that the Church must stand with the poor and neglected.
Address at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Strengthening the Clergy
By 10 a.m., Pope Francis had arrived at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg for a gathering with the leaders of the Belgian Church. The meeting included bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and various pastoral workers. Greeted with a warm welcome, including flowers offered by children, the Pope made his way through the majestic Basilica while a choir serenaded him with sacred music.
The session was filled with personal testimonies from clergy, pastoral workers, and even a prison chaplain, offering a broad view of the Church’s work in Belgium. The testimonies gave voice to the experiences of those ministering in diverse settings, from parishes to prisons. After listening, Pope Francis delivered a powerful address, emphasizing the need for a Church that is close to the people, rooted in service, and fully committed to healing wounds, particularly those caused by abuse within the Church. His words carried both hope and responsibility, calling on the clergy to embody humility and compassion in their roles.
Following the event, the Pope spent time with individuals with disabilities, further underscoring his message of inclusion and care. He then met briefly with local authorities and clergy before continuing his journey.
A Moment of Silence in the Royal Crypt
Later in the day, Pope Francis visited the Royal Crypt beneath the Church of Our Lady of Laeken, where many members of Belgium’s royal family are buried. Accompanied by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, he paused in silent prayer before the tomb of King Baudouin, whom he praised for his courage in standing by his convictions during a moment of moral crisis. Pope Francis’s reflection on King Baudouin’s legacy was particularly poignant, as he called on Belgians to follow the late king’s example of moral leadership in times of difficulty. His remarks also supported the ongoing cause for Baudouin’s beatification.
Meeting with Refugees: A Symbol of Hope
Returning to the Apostolic Nunciature, Pope Francis greeted two refugee families, one Christian from Syria and one Muslim from Djibouti, who had been welcomed to Belgium through humanitarian corridors facilitated by the Community of Sant’Egidio. This meeting highlighted the Pope’s persistent advocacy for refugees and migrants, particularly his belief in the need for safe and legal pathways for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
An Afternoon with University Students: Cultivating Future Leaders
In the afternoon, Pope Francis shifted his focus to young people, arriving at the Université Catholique de Louvain to meet with students. Welcomed by university leaders and greeted with flowers from a young student, the Pope’s visit was both celebratory and symbolic. The university, which will soon celebrate its 600th anniversary, provided a fitting backdrop for the Pope’s message on the role of education in shaping future leaders.
After signing the university’s Book of Honor and listening to a letter read by students, the Pope delivered an inspiring speech. He urged the students to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness in their academic endeavors and to become “craftsmen of peace” through open dialogue and active service. As a gesture of gratitude, the university presented Pope Francis with a symbolic tree of wishes, representing the aspirations of students and the university community.
To conclude his visit, Pope Francis rode in a golf cart around the university grounds, greeting the crowds of people gathered to see him. His public appearances were characterized by joy and connection, as he waved to those cheering for him outside the Aula Magna.
Private Reflection with Jesuits and a Hopeful Message to Youth
Later in the day, Pope Francis visited the Saint-Michel College for a private meeting with members of the Society of Jesus, reflecting his deep ties to the Jesuit community. After this intimate gathering, the Pope’s day culminated with a final event—greeting some 6,000 young people assembled at a nearby arena for “Hope Happening.” The energetic event provided an opportunity for the Pope to connect with the next generation, offering them a message of hope and encouragement in a world that often seems fraught with uncertainty.
A Day of Engagement and Service
Pope Francis’s second day in Belgium was a profound testament to his pastoral vision, focused on engagement with both society’s most vulnerable and those in positions of leadership. From his private prayers in the royal crypt to his meeting with refugees and his address to students, the Pope consistently emphasized themes of compassion, moral courage, and the transformative power of service. As he departed from his busy day, he left behind not only words but also a tangible sense of hope for Belgium’s future.
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