(L-R) Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg; Pope Francis; Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg;
Credit: Jazmin Campbell / Chronicle.lu
Pope Francis arrived in Luxembourg on Thursday 26 September 2024 for a historic official visit.
Invited by Grand Duke Henri, Pope Francis landed at Luxembourg Airport on Thursday morning for his visit - the first papal visit to Luxembourg since that of Pope John Paul II back in 1985.
The airport welcome ceremony took place in the presence of Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Prime Minister Luc Frieden. The red carpet was rolled out for Pope Francis, and the Vatican and Luxembourg national anthems were played.
The visit continued with the Pope's arrival at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg-Ville, where he was scheduled to have an interview with the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess, before receiving Luxembourg's Prime Minister in audience. He also signed the guest book and an exchange of gifts took place.
Despite the wet weather, dozens of media representatives and members of the public (waving flags, cheering, some holding placards) lined the streets next to and in front of the palace, waiting for their chance to get a glimpse of the Pope.
The city centre grew busier as the morning went on. Next on the agenda was a meeting at the Cercle Cité between Pope Francis and the national and local authorities. Prime Minister Frieden, speaking in French, described it as "a great honour" to welcome the Pope to Luxembourg, almost 40 years after the last papal visit. He noted Luxembourg's European and international nature, emphasising its commitment to the principles of international law and to "the inviolability of human dignity", as per its Constitution. The Prime Minister also stressed the need to strive for peace around the world. He commented on the separation of church and state, but acknowledged the important role played by religions in society.
Pope Francis delivered his speech in Italian, saying he was "pleased" to be in Luxembourg for this official visit. He noted the country's role within European history, as a founder of the European Union, but also its experience of oppression in the past, notably during the Second World War. He praised how it has always fought for peace. Pope Francis spoke of current sources of conflict and suffering around the world, commenting on the issue of immigration and refugees, and advocating solidarity. On a separate note, the Pope commented on Luxembourg's birth rate, which he quipped should be higher - to the amusement of some in the crowd. His speech was met with a round of applause.
Following the Cercle Cité meeting, the Pope is exploring Luxembourg City in the Popemobile on Thursday afternoon. Later in the day, he will meet with members of the Catholic community at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
