Zonhoven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Father Wim Simons from Zonhoven planned to attend Carlo Acutis’ canonisation but will now attend Pope Francis’ funeral, held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Simons now hopes for a future canonisation date.
Father Wim Simons, the Zonhoven priest, a Belgian municipality in the province of Limburg, had arranged to go to Rome to witness the canonisation of Carlo Acutis but chose to retain his travel arrangements despite the cancellation of the event.
He sees this as a chance to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, a historic event that will be very important for the Catholic Church. Father Simons is not upset about the change in plans. He feels that it’s a rare chance to be at the funeral of a Pope who had a big influence on the Catholic faith and the world.
“It was the Pope with the thumbs up: always smiling and friendly to everyone.”
Priest Wim Simons says.
Will Zonhoven’s Father Wim Simons see Carlo Acutis Canonised after honouring Pope Francis?
According to Father Wim Simons, Pope Francis was a very loving and compassionate man. He talks about the Pope as a paternal figure who was available to anyone from all sectors of life, whether rich or poor, single or in trouble, or just having bad luck.
He mentioned that Pope Francis was known for being friendly and always smiling. He was good at talking to people from all different backgrounds. He said that this made him a special leader in the Church, and people around the world are sad that he has died.
Father Simons thinks that the new Pope might be the one to make Acutis a saint, maybe even during this special year for the Church. He also believes it may occur at the World Youth Days in Rome this summer when young people from around the globe assemble. He said that this would be an ideal time to pay tribute to Carlo Acutis, who was well-liked by young people due to his spirituality and the way he used technology to spread his beliefs.
The Catholic Church was set to proclaim Carlo Acutis, a young Italian who died in 2006, a saint this weekend after Easter. Many were eagerly expecting this, among them Father Wim Simons, a Zonhoven priest, who had already purchased tickets to fly to Rome for the event.
The death of Pope Francis led to the postponement of all celebrations and canonisations. This includes the canonisation of Acutis, leaving many, including Father Simons, who had made plans to attend, disappointed. The Church is now focusing on honouring the late Pope and will announce a new date for Acutis’ canonisation in due time.
