The Pope praised King Baudouin for refusing to sign abortion legislation that removed it from the penal code, emphasizing his strong moral stance on the issue.

Baudouin's personal beliefs against abortion were evident when he stated, 'For me, as a (Roman Catholic) believer, my faith is totally incompatible with what you want.'

In response to the Pope's comments regarding abortion, the Belgian government summoned the Vatican's ambassador for discussions.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo condemned the Pope's remarks as unacceptable interference in the country's democratic processes.

For beatification to occur, either martyrdom or a verified miracle attributed to the candidate is required, with the possibility of canonization following the confirmation of two miracles.

The Vatican's canonization process typically involves extensive research into a candidate's life, requiring documentation and interviews, and can take many years.

On December 17, 2023, the Vatican established a historical commission to investigate the life and virtues of Belgium's late King Baudouin, following Pope Francis' desire for his beatification.

Pope Francis has initiated the beatification process for King Baudouin, describing him as a 'brave man' and a 'saint,' and asserting that the procedure is underway.

The Vatican's decision to lead the investigation through its own secretariat indicates Pope Francis' personal interest in the beatification process and suggests it may be expedited compared to usual procedures.

This historical commission aims to establish Baudouin's virtues and contributions, a necessary step in the complex and lengthy Vatican canonization process.

Pope Francis has previously criticized Belgium's abortion laws, labeling them as 'homicidal,' and expressed his wish to beatify Baudouin, who abdicated for a day in 1990 to avoid legalizing abortion.

The announcement of the beatification process surprised Belgian bishops and the royal palace, as they were not informed in advance.