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.
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
Lou Groza Award winner Graham Nicholson transferring to Alabama
Eat nuts and seeds to fight off disease: Healthy snacks should be added to 5
The top 10 cities for job hunters revealed
How Phish is using the Las Vegas Sphere's technology
UK sanctions Iran's leading military figures, entities
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
Stone carvings found inside cave of China's Longmen Grottoes
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Giant panda parents, cubs back in China from Spain