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.
Investigators return to Long Island home of Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect
More productive land being used for urban development, study finds
Climate activist Greta Thunberg detained twice at demonstration in The Hague
US Treasury Secretary explains her 'magic mushroom' experience in China
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
Flood, weather warnings as storm hits Australia
Is it the right time to change careers? A consultant answers common questions
Climate activist Greta Thunberg detained twice at demonstration in The Hague
Yvette Fielding says her Most Haunted co
Death toll rises in Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years