Between September 26 and 29, the Holy Father visited Luxembourg and Belgium.
Photo: Vatican Media.
Newsroom (30/09/2024 15:24, Gaudium Press) Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday afternoon, September 29, after a brief international trip that included two European countries: Luxembourg and Belgium. This was the 46th Apostolic Journey of Francis’ pontificate.
Farewell ceremony at Melsbroek Air Base
Less than an hour after presiding at Holy Mass in front of almost 40,000 people at the King Baldwin Stadium in Brussels, the Holy Father made his way to Melsbroek Air Base, where, before boarding the aircraft that would take him back to Rome, he was greeted by a farewell ceremony.
Photo: Vatican Media.
There, the Pontiff signed the Book of Honor in the VIP lounge of the military base. In his writings, he assured that he would “always be at the service of peace in Belgium, Europe, and the whole world”. He then crossed the runway where the Guard of Honor was stationed and boarded the Brussels Airlines A321 Neo with his entourage and journalists from various media outlets.
Telegram from the Pope thanking me for the gestures of fraternity.
The plane took off at 1:21 p.m., just over half an hour behind schedule, and covered a route of around 1,200 km. As he flew over Belgium, the Pope wrote a telegram thanking the royal family and the population “for the countless gestures of hospitality and fraternity” that “have been addressed to him during the days of his visit”.
Photo: Vatican Media.
After a flight of around two hours, the Pontiff arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino airport at around 3 pm (local time). On his return to the Vatican, following a pious tradition he created, Francis made a brief visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he prayed before the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani, expressing his gratitude for the Virgin Mary’s protection during his trip. Afterwards, he went to Casa Santa Marta, where he resides. (EPC)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
