Pope Francis has ignited controversy during his three-day visit to Belgium, drawing criticism for his stance on women and abortion. The 87-year-old Roman Catholic leader described Belgium’s abortion laws as “a murderous law” and compared doctors performing abortions to “hired killers”.
The Pope’s comments came while visiting the tomb of late King Baudouin, who had previously taken a public stance against abortion. King Baudouin temporarily renounced his functions to avoid endorsing legislation that lifted penalties for abortion, citing personal convictions.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has condemned the Pope’s remarks, calling them “unacceptable”. De Croo has summoned the Vatican’s ambassador for discussions on the issue, highlighting the tension between the Church’s views and those of the Belgian government.
The controversy surrounding the Pope’s visit has been compounded by Belgium’s ongoing debate on extending the time limit for abortion to 18 weeks of pregnancy. Plans have been put on hold due to divisions among government parties following June’s elections.
Pope Francis has consistently expressed opposition to abortion, previously stating that “abortion is more than an issue, abortion is murder” and likening it to Nazi eugenics. However, his latest comments have sparked particular outrage in Belgium, given the sensitive timing.
Additionally, the Pope’s visit was clouded by past sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church. Francis addressed the issue, urging bishops to bring abuse to light and punishing those responsible. He also met with victims of abuse and expressed gratitude for their courage in coming forward.
The Catholic Church’s stance on social issues continues to be a contentious topic, with many criticizing the Pope’s views as outdated and insensitive.
Women’s rights advocates and politicians have expressed dismay at the Pope’s comments, emphasizing the importance of reproductive rights. The Belgian government has maintained its commitment to protecting women’s rights.
The Pope’s visit highlights the complex relationship between the Catholic Church and European societies, where progressive values often clash with traditional religious views.
