Pope Francis leaves this morning on his new apostolic journey to Luxembourg and Belgium in the heart of Europe.
They will depart from Rome Fiumicino International Airport at 8.05 am and arrive in Luxembourg at 10 am. A welcoming ceremony will take place at Luxembourg-Findel International Airport. They will be welcomed by Grand Duke Enrico, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa Mestre and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
The Pope will then go to the Grand Ducal Palace for a courtesy visit to the Grand Duke. A meeting will be held with the Prime Minister in the same palace.
At 11.45, Pope Francis will move to the Circle City, a historic building located in the heart of the city, and at 11.50, a meeting will be held with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, with the first speech of the Supreme Pontiff. Finally, at 12.20, the Pope will move to the Archbishop's residence for lunch.
The second official meeting is at 4.30 pm at Notre Dame Cathedral to meet the Catholic community. Here Pope Francis will deliver his second address. At the end of the meeting he will go to the airport to leave for Brussels at 6.15 pm. Arrival at Melsbrouck air base is expected at 7.10 pm. King Philippe and King Mathilde of Belgium will be welcomed at a welcoming ceremony.
At 7.40 p.m., he will head to the Papal Nunciature where he will conclude the first day of the international trip.
Reproduction © Copyright ANSA
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