Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

LUXEMBOURG — Pope Francis emphasized the importance of welcoming everyone in the Catholic Church during a meeting with Luxembourg’s Catholic community at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame on September 26. He stated, “The spirit of the Gospel is a spirit of welcoming, of openness to everyone; it does not admit any kind of exclusion.”

Pope Francis urged the church in Luxembourg to continue being hospitable: “Continue to make your country a friendly home for those who knock at your door seeking help and hospitality.” Luxembourg’s population comprises about 47% foreigners and 53% Luxembourgers, according to Gérard Kieffer, head of communications for the Archdiocese of Luxembourg. About 41% identify as Catholic, including many residents of Portuguese origin or descent.

Welcoming others is both an urgent requirement of charity and justice, he noted: “Thank you to the government and the people of Luxembourg for what you do for migrants.” The pope also stressed that the church must be ready to evolve by addressing secularization with missionary zeal and embracing synodality among its members.

Christine Busshardt, vice president of the diocesan pastoral council, shared that many parishioners are prepared to take on more responsibility in evangelization but feel they are not treated equally. “Many do not feel they are being treated equally and have buried the talents entrusted to them,” she said.

During his visit, Pope Francis venerated a statue known as Our Lady of Luxembourg or “Comforter of the Afflicted” and presented a golden rose to celebrate its 400th anniversary. After lunch, he stopped at Gruppetto coffee shop for an espresso. Jassin, a barista there, described it as an incredible experience.

The pope began his trip with an appeal for peace at a meeting attended by some 300 representatives including Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Grand Duke Henri. In his speech at Cercle Cité, he remarked on humanity's recurring return to war: “It seems that the human heart does not always remember the past and periodically goes astray.”

He called on leaders to engage in honest negotiations: “We need to raise our gaze upward,” he said. Leaders should seek "honorable compromises" that build security and peace.

Pope Francis later traveled through Luxembourg before heading to Belgium where he planned to meet local authorities and Catholics over three days. He was also scheduled to visit KU Leuven University during its 600th anniversary celebration.