Pope Francis Visits Luxembourg and Belgium to Address Migrant Needs and Clerical Abuse

Pope Francis arrived in Luxembourg for a short visit before heading to Belgium, focusing on migrant needs and meeting abuse survivors. This rare European trip follows his Southeast Asia and Oceania tour. In Belgium, he will meet abuse survivors and address government officials amidst ongoing clerical abuse investigations.

Pope Francis touched down in Luxembourg on Thursday for a brief visit, marking a rare European tour for the pontiff who typically travels to less-visited regions of the world. This visit precedes a weekend trip to Belgium, where Francis will spotlight the urgent needs of migrants and privately meet with survivors of clerical sexual abuse.

Following closely on the heels of a demanding 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the pope landed at Luxembourg's Findel International Airport. His packed itinerary includes meetings with Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and a speech at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In Belgium, Pope Francis will meet with King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and address abuse survivors. This comes as Belgium continues to uncover numerous cases of clerical sexual misconduct. Due to knee and back pain, Francis did not individually greet journalists onboard his flight from Rome.

(With inputs from agencies.)