Pope Francis Concludes Visit to Luxembourg and Continues Apostolic Journey to Belgium
After a moving farewell ceremony at Luxembourg’s Findel Airport, Pope Francis wraps up his apostolic visit to the tiny nation in the heart of Europe and sets off for the second leg of his Apostolic journey.
The Grand Dukes of Luxembourg and Prime Minister Bid Farewell
The Grand Dukes of Luxembourg, Henri Albert Gabriel Felix Maire Guillaume and his wife Maria Teresa Mestre y Batista, along with the country’s Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, bid a private farewell to Pope Francis at Luxembourg Airport’s VIP Lounge before his departure on Thursday evening.
After saying goodbye to a delegation of Luxembourg bishops, Pope Francis boarded the plane that will take him to neighboring Belgium, with the 55-minute flight scheduled to land at Brussels Melsborek Air Base shortly after 7 pm local time. Archbishop Franco Coppola, the Apostolic Nuncio in Belgium, and the Ambassador of Belgium to the Holy See, Patrick Renault, will be there to welcome him.
Upon arrival, the Pope will proceed to the Apostolic Nunciature, where he will be residing during his stay in Belgium.
This marks the start of Pope Francis’ 46th Apostolic Journey abroad, with Luxembourg and Belgium as the first destinations. His return to the Vatican is scheduled for Sunday, 29 September.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pope Francis’ journey as he spreads messages of peace and unity across the world.
