Pope in Belgium

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Pope Francis and King Philippe listen to a speech by Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo during the pope's trip to Belgium in late September 2024.

Belgian prime minister criticizes Pope Francis for statements on abortion

Oct 4, 2024

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo criticized Pope Francis for comments the pope made on abortion last week when he... Read more

Photos of King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola. When abortion was first legalized in Belgium in 1990, King Baudouin chose to abdicate from his duties as king of the Belgians from April 3 to 5 in order not to sign the bill into law. When Baudouin died at the age of 63 in 1993, he had reigned continuously for 42 years except for those three days.

Who is King Baudouin? Meet the king of the Belgians whom Pope Francis wants to canonize

Oct 4, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

Pope Francis called King Baudouin a man of faith who serves as an example for leaders today. Read more

Pope Francis prays on Sept. 28, 2024, at the tomb of Belgian king who chose to abdicate rather than sign an abortion law.

Pope Francis lauds Belgian king who chose to abdicate rather than sign abortion law

Sep 28, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The pope also expressed hope that the sainthood cause for King Baudouin, who ruled as King of the Belgians from... Read more