In response to the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, the Conference of Belgian Bishops announced on Tuesday that condolence books will be made available in all cathedrals across the country.
In Brussels, people can pay their respects at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula.
The diocese of Namur has opened two condolence books: one at Saint Aubain Cathedral in Namur and another at Saint Martin’s Church in Arlon. Similarly, the dioceses of Liège and Hasselt have also provided these books for public use.
"The idea is to have a register in every diocese," explained Tommy Scholtes, the French-speaking spokesperson for the Conference of Belgian Bishops.
These registers will be accessible until Saturday, the day of the Pontiff’s funeral. After this, they will be sent to the Apostolic Nunciature, the diplomatic mission of the Holy See in Belgium, before being transferred to the Vatican.
Additionally, "there will be a mass in each diocese, which is currently being organised. Information will be available on the dioceses’ websites," Tommy Scholtes continued.
A national commemoration is scheduled to take place at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg on Thursday at 19:00, where Archbishop Luc Terlinden of Mechelen-Brussels will conduct the eucharistic celebration.
The French-speaking Catholic Radio of Liège has also announced a memorial mass for the Holy Father, set for Wednesday at 09:00, to be celebrated by Bishop Jean-Pierre Delville at St Paul’s Cathedral in Liège.
