Pope Francis kicked off his latest journey on Thursday, landing in Luxembourg as the first stop of a four-day tour across two historically Christian nations in Europe.
This visit comes at a time when both countries are facing a notable decline in religious adherence, reflecting the broader trend of secularization sweeping across the continent.
After spending a day in the picturesque yet compact Luxembourg, the 87-year-old pontiff prepared for a short flight to Belgium.
During his time in Luxembourg, he urged politicians to embrace spiritual values and encouraged local Catholics to actively share the Gospel message as part of their “missionary proclamation.”
A Visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral
In a significant moment at the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pope Francis echoed sentiments expressed by St. John Paul II during his 1985 visit, stating the need for a Europe where the Gospel is shared through both words and compassionate actions.
Luxembourg, a constitutional monarchy and the second-smallest country in the European Union, boasts a wealth per capita that ranks it among the richest nations.
With a population of around 672,000, the country also serves as a hub for several EU institutions, including the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Upon his arrival, the weather was cool and drizzly, but that didn’t deter modest crowds from lining the streets.
Wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas adorned with small Luxembourg flags, they welcomed the Pope with warmth.
The State of the Church in Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s religious landscape is primarily represented by the Archdiocese of Luxembourg, headed by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, who plays a significant role in the Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality.
As per Vatican statistics from 2022, there are approximately 271,000 Catholics in the archdiocese, which amounts to 41% of the population—a marked decline from 63% in 2018.
The situation regarding regular Mass attendance is even more concerning.
A survey revealed that only 6% of the religious population attends Mass weekly, while 30% reported never or rarely participating.
Reflecting on this decline, Cardinal Hollerich remarked, “We once used to be as Catholic as Ireland was,” noting that Luxembourg’s population is highly international, with only 30% born in the country.
Embracing Diversity and Community
During his audience with local Catholics at the cathedral, Pope Francis listened to various testimonies.
Sister Maria Perpétua Coelho Dos Santos spoke about the richness brought by linguistic communities, highlighting immigrants from places like Vietnam, Ukraine, and various African nations.
Diogo Gomes Costa, a young resident, shared how his faith was rekindled after attending World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon.
Christine Bußhardt, vice president of the diocesan pastoral council, emphasized the Church’s mission to give voice to God in Luxembourg’s multicultural society.
She expressed hope for renewal through the ongoing global synodal process.
The Pope also witnessed a theatrical dance performance that celebrated the life of St. Francis of Assisi, connecting the past to the present in a powerful way.
A Warm Welcome for the Pope
Interest in the Pope’s visit was palpable, with over 10,000 applications submitted within hours of registration opening for a limited number of spots to meet him at the cathedral.
Although seats were assigned randomly, large screens were set up outside for those who couldn’t enter, allowing many to participate in the experience.
In his greeting at the cathedral, Cardinal Hollerich acknowledged the challenges faced by the Church in a largely secularized society but also highlighted paths of hope that exist within it.
During his visit, Pope Francis launched a Marian Jubilee Year for the Archdiocese of Luxembourg, celebrating 400 years of devotion to Mary, the Consoler of the Afflicted.
He remarked on the significance of this title, aligning it with his visit’s theme of “to serve,” emphasizing that consolation and service are vital components of love.
Meetings with Leaders and Community Engagement
The Pope’s first appointment of the day was a meeting with Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess María Teresa at the Grand Ducal Palace, where he posed for a family photo in a gold-adorned ballroom.
Following this, he met with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden and addressed members of the government and diplomatic corps.
In his address, he reminded leaders that wealth comes with responsibility, urging them to care for the less fortunate and assist impoverished nations.
He underscored Luxembourg’s unique position in Europe as a potential leader in welcoming and integrating migrants and refugees.
With the resurgence of conflict on the continent, he emphasized the importance of grounding daily actions in profound spiritual values to heal divides.
“The Gospel is the life source and the ever-fresh force of personal and social renewal,” he stated, reiterating the transformative power of Christ’s teachings.
Pope Francis also shared the message that “to serve” is the highest honor and responsibility, a theme that resonates deeply in both his papacy and Luxembourg’s diverse society.
A Personal Touch and Future Plans
As he traveled to Cercle Cité, the Pope took time to bless babies and greet children, handing out rosaries and candy.
The streets, although quiet, erupted into chants of “Papa Francisco!” as he passed by.
Following a lunch at the archbishop’s residence, Pope Francis surprised locals by dropping into a nearby café for coffee with his team, where he also blessed a pregnant woman.
Just before his departure from Rome, he prayed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, seeking Mary’s protection for his trip.
On the morning of his flight, he met with several homeless individuals outside St. Peter’s Square, embodying his commitment to serve the marginalized.
Pope Francis’ four-day journey will continue in Belgium, where he plans to visit three cities to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Catholic universities before returning to Rome on September 29.