On Saturday, during his visit to Belgium, Pope Francis paid tribute to King Baudouin, who ruled from 1951 to 1993, for his courageous decision to temporarily abdicate the throne rather than sign a law legalizing abortion. The pope expressed admiration for the late Catholic king, highlighting his strong stance on the protection of life.

Speaking at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels, pope urged Belgians to look to King Baudouin as a model, especially as debates over extending abortion limits and liberal euthanasia laws continue in the country. He praised Baudouin’s choice to “leave his place as king in order not to sign a murderous law,” emphasizing the monarch’s firm commitment to conscience.

Pope Francis' remarks were delivered after his visit to the royal crypt in the Basilica, where King Baudouin is buried. Accompanied by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, pope offered a moment of silent prayer before Baudouin’s tomb.

Baudouin made headlines in 1990 when he abdicated for three days to avoid signing a bill legalizing abortion in Belgium. The devout monarch and his wife, Queen Fabiola, had prayed for strength to oppose the law during a pilgrimage to the Holy House of Loreto in Italy. Despite facing personal heartache with the loss of five children during pregnancy, the couple found solace in their Catholic faith, attending daily Mass together.

The late Pope John Paul II also praised King Baudouin for his steadfast commitment to the protection of unborn life, recognizing him as a “great guardian of human conscience.”

Pope Francis expressed hope that the sainthood cause for King Baudouin will advance, underscoring the legacy of a king who defended life and upheld moral principles during his reign.