Pope Francis' Mission to Reignite Catholicism in Europe

Pope Francis commenced his visit to core Christian regions in Europe to invigorate a diminishing Catholic community beleaguered by secular trends and abuse scandals. His journey includes stops in Luxembourg and Belgium, addressing socio-political topics such as migration and climate change, culminating in interactions with local clergy and citizens.

Pope Francis set off Thursday for a trip aimed at reviving Europe's waning Catholicism amidst rising secularism and abuse scandals. His first stop was Luxembourg, the EU's second-smallest nation, landing under stormy conditions shortly after recovering from a slight flu.

The pope greeted journalists on the plane, choosing not to walk down the aisle due to the short duration and aircraft logistics. Upon arrival, he engaged in meetings with Grand Duke Henri and Prime Minister Luc Frieden. The visit will touch on pressing issues like migration, climate change, and peace initiatives.

Luxembourg has seen a significant shift in its demographic makeup, with a large portion of its population now comprising immigrants. The visit aims to address the challenges faced by the church in adapting to these changes while resonating with the region's historical Christian roots. Francis is scheduled to speak to Catholic clergy at the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame, highlighting Christianity's longstanding influence in Europe.

(With inputs from agencies.)