The beatification of King Baudouin, an emblematic and pious figure of the Belgian monarchy, is a process that will take time. This was emphasized by Rik Torfs, an expert in canon law and former rector of KU Leuven, in a statement to the Belga news agency.
Pope Francis surprised the world by announcing, during a Mass at the King Baudouin Stadium, that he would initiate this cause upon his return to Rome. This announcement came after a four-day visit by the Holy Father to Luxembourg and Belgium.
In Brussels, the Pope asked the Belgian bishops to support this cause, instructing them to take care of it to move it forward. As with any beatification, a detailed dossier will be compiled. This will present the arguments for and against elevating Baudouin to the rank of Blessed. This document will then be sent to a Vatican ministry, tasked with examining it. However, the final decision belongs to the Supreme Pontiff.
According to Rik Torfs, this process could take several years. It is important to note that beatification is never a certainty. "Some procedures are sometimes quietly abandoned," he warns, recalling that despite popular fervor or the fame of a figure, not all dossiers come to fruition.
The Question of the Miracle
In Catholic tradition, a miracle is generally required for a candidate to be beatified. However, Torfs specifies that there have already been exceptions, where a beatification has been pronounced without a miracle being attributed to the future Blessed. Although this is not frequent, it remains a possibility.
In the past, the Vatican preferred to wait 50 years after a person's death before initiating such a procedure, allowing for a more distanced analysis of events. But the rules can sometimes be relaxed, depending on the circumstances and the figure in question.
A Pious and Determined King
King Baudouin, born in 1930 and died in 1993, marked Belgian history with his profound piety and religious commitment. His reign, particularly alongside his wife, Queen Fabiola, was imbued with faith. Having never had children, the royal couple often focused their efforts on charitable works and the defense of Christian values.
One of the defining moments of the King's life was in March 1990, when he refused to sign a law partially decriminalizing abortion, despite its adoption by the Belgian Parliament. This gesture revealed to the world his unwavering attachment to Catholic principles, placing the defense of life at the heart of his reign.
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Although the beatification of King Baudouin is still far from being assured, his example of faith and determination in the face of political and moral challenges inspires many Catholics. By refusing to yield to government pressure during the abortion debate, Baudouin showed that a king could remain faithful to his Christian convictions, even in political turmoil.
That said, it is evident that the official recognition of his holiness will take time. The steps to be taken are numerous, and it is impossible to predict how many years will pass before a potential beatification. But if this process succeeds, King Baudouin will become a shining model for all who struggle for truth and justice according to the principles of the Church.