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7mo ago

Pope Concludes Contentious Belgium Visit with Calls for Abuse Accountability and Traditional Stance on Abortion

Pope Francis urged the Church to address sexual abuse while reaffirming traditional views on women and abortion, drawing mixed reactions from Belgian society.

Pope Francis shakes hands with Mia De Schamphelaere, coordinator of point of contact for victims of abuse, at the Koekelberg Basilica in Brussels, Belgium, September 28, 2024. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to attend a Holy Mass at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, September 29, 2024. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapan
Faithful attend a Holy Mass held by Pope Francis at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, September 29, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Overview

  • Pope Francis demanded that abusive priests be punished and criticized the Church's history of covering up abuse during his visit to Belgium.
  • He praised the courage of abuse survivors and acknowledged that current financial settlements are insufficient to cover their therapy needs.
  • Francis reaffirmed his traditional views on abortion, calling the procedure 'homicidal' and praising Belgium's late King Baudouin for opposing abortion legislation.
  • The Pope faced criticism from Belgian intellectuals and students for his stance on women's roles in the Church, which many found outdated and reductive.
  • Francis concluded his trip with a Mass to beatify 17th-century mystic Ana de Jesus, emphasizing the importance of returning to Gospel teachings in a secularizing society.