ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has added a stop in Luxembourg to a trip to Belgium in September, a three-day visit that will come as he is recovering from a much longer and challenging trip to Asia.
The Vatican on Monday announced the Sept. 26-29 dates of the planned trip, saying Francis would first stop in Luxembourg and then travel onto Brussels, Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium.
Belgium’s bishops had previously announced that Francis was coming to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the country’s two main Catholic universities. Francis’ stop in Luxembourg is apparently something of a nod to Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the Jesuit archbishop of Luxembourg who is playing a major role in Francis’ big synod, a years-long reform project for the Catholic Church.
The Luxembourg and Belgium visit is scheduled to begin less than two weeks after Francis returns from the longest and most challenging foreign trip of his pontificate, a Sept. 2-13 voyage to Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.
Tensions grips UCLA campus after police order protestors to disperse or face arrest
The Timberwolves' Mike Conley wins the NBA Teammate of the Year award for a 2nd time
Gil's excellent outing helps the Yankees defeat Baltimore 2
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Toronto clinches top spot in PWHL with 4
PSG, Barca set to renew Champions League rivalry
More money is going to African climate startups, but a huge funding gap remains
China ready to strengthen high
Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer
Polland wins PGA club pro title. Nineteen others advance to PGA Championship