Photo credit: The Holy See

Pope Francis once again showed his approachable and down-to-earth style during his customary in-flight press conference on Sunday, chatting candidly with journalists covering his Apostolic Journey to Luxembourg and Belgium. While sipping coffee on board, he took questions on a range of topics, from his surprise visit to a local café in Luxembourg to deeply controversial issues like abortion and abuse in the Church.

After a warm greeting from Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the Pope opened up with a light-hearted comment: “Good morning. I am available for questions.”

Surprised by Luxembourg's Balance and Hospitality

When Michael Merten from Luxemburger Wort asked about his impressions of Luxembourg, Pope Francis responded with a smile, recalling his visit to a local coffee shop. “It was just a silly thing,” he laughed. “Next time, I’ll visit a pizzeria!” But he wasn’t all jokes. He praised Luxembourg’s “well-balanced society, with well-considered laws, and a unique culture” that left him deeply impressed.

Touching on Abortion and Women’s Rights

Things got serious when Belgian journalist Valerie Dupont asked about the Pope’s comments at the tomb of King Baldwin and how they stirred up controversy in Belgium. Pope Francis didn’t hold back, reaffirming his stance on abortion as “murder” and calling doctors who perform abortions “hitmen.”

He acknowledged that women have the right to life, including their own lives and the lives of their children. “Let’s not forget to say this: abortion is murder. Science tells you that within a month of conception, all the organs are already there. A human being is killed.”

While recognizing the complexity of the issue, he stressed that abortion should not be confused with the separate matter of contraceptive methods.

Taking Responsibility for Abuse Victims

Andrea Vreede from Belgian TV brought up the painful topic of abuse victims in the Church. The Pope spoke with empathy, reiterating the Church’s commitment to taking responsibility and helping victims. “I believe it is a duty to listen to people who have been abused,” he said. He called out the shame of cover-ups and urged Belgian bishops to “go forward” in supporting victims and punishing abusers. “We cannot leave an abuser free to live a normal life,” he emphasized.

A Call for Proportionality in Global Conflicts

Courtney Walsh from USA TV asked about the recent bombings in Gaza and Lebanon. The Pope’s response was clear: “Defense must always be proportionate to the attack.” He called for morality even in warfare, stating that disproportionate responses only breed further harm and suffering.

Defending the Role of Women in the Church

When Annachiara Valle from Famiglia Cristiana challenged the Pope’s views on the role of women in the Church, he pushed back against accusations of conservatism. He highlighted the unique strength and importance of the feminine in the Church, which he believes is often misunderstood.

“The Church is woman; she is the bride of Jesus. The feminine has its own strength,” he explained passionately, adding that “exaggerated feminism, which means that women are chauvinists, does not work.” He affirmed that, while ministry is essential, the Marian ministry is “greater” because it involves unity and nurturing.

Ending on a Note of Compassion for Migrants

As the press conference drew to a close, the Pope expressed deep sadness over the recent tragedy of fifty people missing off the coast of the Canary Islands. “It greatly pains me to hear of all those people missing at sea,” he said somberly, underscoring the plight of migrants seeking freedom but facing danger at every turn.

The press conference, true to Pope Francis’ style, was a mix of light-hearted banter and hard-hitting reflections, leaving everyone on board with much to ponder until the next Apostolic Journey.