Pope wraps troubled visit to Belgium by beatifying 17th-century mystic during sunny stadium Mass BRUSSELS (AP) — Pope Francis wrapped up a troubled visit to Belgium on Sunday with a Mass to beatify a 17th-century mystic, after dashing the hopes of one of Europe’s most storied Catholic universities by doubling down on his traditional views on wom Nicole Winfield And Raf Casert, The Associated Press Sep 29, 2024 1:53 AM Sep 29, 2024 2:05 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to preside over the Sunday mass in King Baudouin Stadium, in Brussels Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) BRUSSELS (AP) — Pope Francis wrapped up a troubled visit to Belgium on Sunday with a Mass to beatify a 17th-century mystic, after dashing the hopes of one of Europe’s most storied Catholic universities by doubling down on his traditional views on women and abortion.
Francis was celebrating a Mass under a spectacular sun in Brussels’ sports stadium before heading back to Rome. The stadium is named for King Baudouin, whom Francis had praised for having abdicated for a day in 1990 rather than give his assent to a parliament-approved bill legalizing abortion. Francis’ unscheduled visit to pray at the king’s tomb and declaration that the legislation was “homicidal” were among several gestures in this once staunchly Catholic country that unnerved its secularized young peo.
