BRUSSELS — Pope Francis was challenged by Belgian students Saturday about women's place in the Catholic Church, after paying tribute to a former sovereign who took a public stance against abortion.

The scripted yet frank exchange at a university in French-speaking Wallonia came after the 87-year-old pontiff was pressed on the issue of child sexual abuse, on day two of a visit partly clouded by past scandals.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details