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.
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Beijing film fest unveils jury, film lineup and key highlights
Shenzhen, Zhejiang into last eight of CBA playoffs
Liaoning lead title contenders into CBA playoffs
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Tsinghua art and science symposium explores future trends, presents awards
UK lawmakers will vote on a landmark bill aiming to create the country's first smoke
Chinese tourists flock to savor trendy immersive experiences
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
Chongqing springs to life on summer nights
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Island welcomes tourists after green upgrade