Pope Francis was pressed firmly by Belgium's king and premier on Friday for more concrete action to address sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, an issue once more in the spotlight as he visits. Both King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo raised the issue in public in unusually forceful language for a papal foreign trip,

Belgium's King Philippe levelled direct criticism at the pontiff, saying it had "taken far too long for the cries to be heard and acknowledged".

During his visit to Belgium, Pope Francis was urged by King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to take more concrete actions against sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. They emphasized the Church's slow progress and need for tangible steps.