Pope Francis has returned to Rome after a fruitful four-day trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, culminating in the beatification of Carmelite nun Anne of Jesus at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. Upon his return, he visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to express gratitude to the Virgin Mary for the trip’s success.
During his time in Luxembourg, the Pope met with Grand Duke Henri and Prime Minister Luc Freiden, emphasizing the importance of welcoming migrants and refugees. He also addressed the Catholic community, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges of secularization.
In Belgium, Pope Francis met with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and presided over the beatification ceremony of Anne of Jesus. He condemned sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, listening to the testimonies of 17 victims. The Pope also visited the tomb of King Baudouin, who had refused to sign the 1990 abortion law, and expressed his desire to begin the beatification process for the king.