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.
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
China envoy embarks on shuttle diplomacy
Sweden ready to complete NATO membership bid
Advisers to maintain focus on modernization, CPPCC says
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
UK urged to refrain from meddling in HK affairs
State secrets law revised to handle online leaks
Continued evolution of law improves governing capacity
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
UK urged to refrain from meddling in HK affairs