LUXEMBOURG: Pope Francis kicked off a four-day visit to Luxembourg and Belgium on Thursday with an appeal for international diplomacy and negotiations amid flaring conflicts across the globe.
The 87-year-old pontiff, who looked tired upon arriving in Luxembourg, planned to use his time in the two countries that host many of Europe's top institutions to discuss the continent's role in the world.
After a meeting with authorities at the Grand Ducal Palace, Francis decried "the re-emergence, even on the European continent, of rifts and enmities" that result "in open hostilities, leading to destruction and death".
"There is an urgent need for those in authority to engage resolutely and patiently in honest negotiations in order to resolve differences," Francis told the assembly.
"Honourable compromises," he said, "undermine nothing and can instead build security and peace for all."
Though he cited neither conflict by name, Francis has deplored a lack of progress in negotiations to end the war in Gaza and has repeatedly pleaded for peace since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
"Luxembourg can show everyone the advantages of peace as opposed to the horrors of war," the pontiff said, highlighting the Grand Duchy's wealth and its role as a democratic bastion and the seat of numerous European institutions.
Francis looked visibly tired as he arrived in the country, where he was welcomed by Grand Duke Henri, his wife Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa, Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, a close friend of the pontiff.
Recovering from a mild flu following a gruelling Asia-Pacific trip, aboard the papal plane he broke with his custom of individually greeting the journalists travelling with him, telling them "I don't feel able."
Upon landing he intermittently used a wheelchair and walking cane.
But he seemed to regain vigour and stamina as he greeted dignitaries and young people during what is the first papal visit to Luxembourg in almost 40 years.
The Argentine pope, who has relied on a wheelchair since 2022 because of knee pain and sciatica, has suffered increasing health problems in recent years.
Nevertheless, he completed this month his longest trip since he became head of the world's nearly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, visiting four countries over 12 days in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The pontiff had appeared cheerful and energised by the trip, but on Monday cancelled his daily audiences because of a "mild flu", with the Vatican saying he needed rest.
After his morning speech, Francis greeted members of the public during a popemobile tour under tight security.
Families held umbrellas and Luxembourger flags braving the rainy weather to catch a glimpse of the pontiff.
Security staff intervened briefly to tackle a woman protesting bullfighting after she jumped in front of his vehicle, bustling her off to one side. - AFP
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