In the Mechelen Sint-Rombouts cathedral is the uitvaartplechtigheid to the hallway of cardinal Godfried Danneels, who last week at the age of 85 died. The cathedral is completely full, with more than 800 attendees in the audience, and more than 175 clergy. At the beginning was a letter from pope Francis will be read out.
The ceremony is attended by many prominent guests such as king Filip and queen Mathilde, and deputy prime minister Kris Peeters, ministers Koen Geens and Pieter De Crem, the presidents of the Chamber, Senate and Flemish Parliament, Antwerp governor Cathy Berx, Mechels mayor Bart Somers and a representative of the pope. Also including former KU Leuven rector Rik Torfs, CD&V chairman Wouter Beke and representatives of orthodox, jewish, and islamic faith communities are present.