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.
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
When Chinese martial arts, Western contemporary dance converge
Fesitve atmosphere in Macao ahead of Mid
Xiplomacy: Xi's APEC Visit Signifies Hope for China
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Xinhua Headlines: Xi's APEC Trip to Pilot China
Chinese community energizes Cape Town Carnival
(HKSAR 25) Feature: Hong Kong Palace Museum
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
In pics: archaeological site of Shuomen ancient port in E China's Zhejiang
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
In pics: archaeological site of Shuomen ancient port in E China's Zhejiang