Pope Francis concluded his contentious visit to Belgium by reaffirming his traditional views on women and abortion, and calling for Catholic bishops to stop protecting predator priests.

During a press conference on his flight home, he praised the late King Baudouin for abdicating for a day in 1990 to avoid signing an abortion legalization law, describing his actions as courageous.

Francis faced criticism for labeling the abortion law “homicidal” and for praying at Baudouin’s tomb, particularly as Belgium debates extending the legal abortion limit from 12 to 18 weeks, as reported by the Associated Press.

He further characterized doctors performing abortions as “hitmen,” reiterating his strong anti-abortion stance. This was his second in-flight discussion on abortion in recent weeks.

Written by Emily Begley