Pope Francis Visits Belgium Amid Church Challenges

Pope Francis's upcoming visit to Belgium from September 26-29 has generated significant excitement, with over 35,000 tickets sold for the Sunday Mass at King Baudouin Stadium. The event comes at a time when the Belgian Catholic Church is grappling with the impacts of secularization and past sexual abuse scandals, leading to a decline in attendance despite 50% of the population identifying as Catholic. King Philippe of Belgium, a discreet Catholic, is set to welcome the Pope while balancing his political role. Rector Luc Sels from KU Leuven plans to discuss the Church’s stance on women and LGBTQ+ rights with the Pope, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and dialogue. The Church's diminished influence is starkly illustrated in cities like Halle, where traditional services are struggling to attract attendees. Overall, the visit represents a crucial opportunity for the Church in Belgium to reassess its role and engage with contemporary societal issues.