Reflection by the dean:

“Personally, I am, and many around me, very impressed by the openness, commitment and humility of the Pope during this visit to our country. The pope clearly looked tired, but gave himself completely. He really started the conversation. He repeatedly deviated from his text to address himself personally to victims of abuse or hurt and vulnerable people. He testified to a genuine sense of guilt within the church. He made it clear that he did not want to gloss over anything and emphasized that perpetrators of abuse must be tried and punished, but also that justice and mercy are not mutually exclusive.

During this visit, he showed greater respect for true diversity than the Belgian Prime Minister and the rectors of the universities celebrating their 600th anniversary. Their pedantic tone was perceived by many as not very respectful, while the pope dared to boldly go against Western one-size-fits-all thinking with great openness towards dissenters.

Contrary to what our media would have us believe, there was a great interest in this pope's visit among the faithful in our country and especially among young people. The final liturgy showed the living joy and enthusiasm of the faithful in the Belgian Church today. That is exactly what I experience on a daily basis with the students of canon law in Leuven.”

Prof. Dr. Hildegard Warnink