Pope Francis arrived at Laken Castle just before 10am on Friday morning. There he will meet with members of the Belgian royal family and other VIPs, including the outgoing federal Prime Minister (Alexander De Croo). The Pope’s speech is in Italian a language he also speaks through an interpreter with King Filip and Queen Mathilde. The Pope understands French, but he doesn’t speak it well. The King and Mr De Croo’s speech are for a large part in Dutch and French.
King Albert and Queen Paola were also present to meet the Pope.
