ROME — The Vatican has initiated significant steps to fulfill Pope Francis’ desire for the beatification of Belgium’s late King Baudouin, who famously abdicated for one day instead of endorsing legislation that would legalize abortion. On December 17, the Holy See established a historical commission composed of historians and archival experts specializing in Belgian history. This was announced in a communiqué released by the Vatican on Saturday, marking the beginning of an inquiry into Baudouin’s life and virtues.

Pope Francis’ remarks during his visit to Brussels in September raised eyebrows and provoked strong reactions from some Belgians. He prayed at King Baudouin’s tomb, criticized Belgium’s abortion laws as “homicidal,” and expressed his intention to pursue the king’s beatification. Further controversy erupted when, while returning from the trip, Francis likened doctors who perform abortions to “hitmen.”

In the aftermath of his comments, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo publicly condemned the Pope’s statements, calling them “totally unacceptable.” He summoned the Vatican’s ambassador to Belgium to express his government’s discontent. During parliamentary discussions, De Croo emphasized that Belgium’s democratic processes should not be a subject of foreign commentary, highlighting that the era when the church dictated laws in Belgium has long passed.

The Pope has consistently supported the Catholic Church’s anti-abortion stance, equating abortion with murder and likening it to hiring a hitman to resolve problems. His statements during the Brussels visit further ignited discontent, particularly given the history of clergy sexual abuse in the Belgian Church.

King Baudouin ascended the throne following his father’s abdication. In 1990, he infamously abdicated for a day to avoid signing a parliamentary bill that would legalize abortion, a decision taken when he was confronted with changing social norms. He passed away in 1993.

While at Baudouin’s tomb, Francis commended the king’s bravery and encouraged modern Belgians to embrace his example amidst ongoing discussions about a legislative proposal that sought to extend the legal timeframe for abortions from 12 weeks to 18 weeks of conception.

The Vatican’s canonization process typically spans many years, even centuries, commencing with the local church affirming the candidate’s enduring reputation for holiness among the faithful. This is followed by an extensive investigation into the individual’s life, including documentation collection and interviews with various acquaintances and experts. Should historians find that the candidate exhibited heroic Christian virtues, the process could lead to being declared venerable. For beatification, a miracle attributed to the candidate is required, alongside a second miracle for canonization.

Notably, martyrs are not required to verify a miracle for beatification, and popes can elect to bypass the formal process to declare saints, as Francis has done on multiple occasions. The convening of a historical commission indicates that the Vatican is taking a proactive approach, with its saint-making office researching Baudouin’s life. However, the unusual initiation of this cause not originating from the Belgian local church, but rather directed by the Holy See’s secretariat of state, suggests that Francis aims to closely oversee and expedite the process.