The Grand Ducal family has been very supportive of Pope Francis’ visit to Luxembourg. Grand Dukes Henri and Maria Theresa, Accompanied by their children and grandchildren, they participated in a hearing in which The little ones from the Palace have been the stars, with their spontaneity and naturalness that has won over the Holy Father, who has not been able to resist showing them affection.
The Grand Dukes welcomed the Pope at the airport and then went to the State Tribune to receive the honours, together with the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden. Henri and Maria Teresa of Luxembourg then accompanied their illustrious guest to the Palace, where the Pontiff signed the guest book.
In another room of the Palace, the extended family of the Luxembourg monarch met Pope Francis in a fun meeting where the grandchildren of Enrique and Maria Teresa were the protagonists of the most tender and funny images. The Pope seemed delighted with the young people. royals and touched their heads while smiling, chatted with the older ones and had an animated conversation with his hosts during a meeting that took place in a climate of joy and closeness.
The sympathy of Prince François
They have been especially nice Prince Charles, 4, and Prince François, 1, the little ones of Prince William and Stéphanie. The future heir, hiding behind a chair, was initially reluctant to greet the Pope, while his younger brother, unaware of the situation, was much closer. The eldest grandchildren of the Grand Dukes were also introduced to the Holy Father, who took an interest in them.
© GTRESFinally, they all posed together in a beautiful family photo for the history books together with the Pontiff. This is the second Pope to visit Luxembourg officially. The first to do so was John Paul II on 15 and 16 May 1985, when Grand Duke John and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, parents of the current monarch, received him at a meeting which was also attended by a very young Prince Guillaume. Francis is expected to present the Golden Rose to the statue of Our Lady, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the Marian Jubilee.
