Pope Francis, after Belgian criticism, says church has 'no place for abuse'

Pope Francis leaves after he held a Holy Mass at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, September 29, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday wrapped up a weekend trip to Belgium, where he faced some of the strongest criticism yet levied during one of his foreign trips.

The 87-year-old pontiff was pressed by high-profile figures at three of the five major events on his three-day visit in unusual and sometimes fierce language for a papal trip.