The pope was in Leuven! What an incredible experience for our city. When the Holy Father landed on Belgian soil on Thursday evening 26 September, many of Leuven’s young faithful gathered for the monthly Nightfever Eucharist and Adoration in the Sint-Antonius Chapel of the Picpus Fathers. There they prayed for Pope Francis and his visit to Belgium.
The following day’s windy, rainy weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of the 6,000 spectators on and around Leuven’s Grote Markt. After the pope had been received in the University Halls on the occasion of the approaching 600th anniversary of KU Leuven and had addressed the professors and prominent figures there, he made time to have a talk with refugees. The vulnerable of our society have always had a special place in the heart of our Holy Father. Then it was time for what many had been waiting for, especially a delegation of residents of the Leuven care centers Edouard Remy and Sint-Vincentius, who had descended on the Grote Markt with the help of family members and volunteers from the Sant’Egidio Community and the Sint-Kwinten Community. Amid loud cheers, the pope appeared, passed along the delegation, greeting the residents and volunteers. What a moment to remember!
Pope Francis, owing to a busy schedule, did not stay long in Leuven, and quickly moved on to his next appointment. The visit to our city went smoothly, thanks to the police, City of Leuven and many volunteers.