Among the nineteen municipalities that make up the Brussels region, Anderlecht has a significant muslim population, mainly from northern Africa. In this situation, the socialist mayor of Anderlecht, Eric Tomas, decided to transform the church of St. Francis Xavier, located in the Cureghem district into a sports center.  

The politician explained his decision in the local newspaper by stating that “the population has changed radically and it is necessary to adapt to the realities and their requirements”.

The head of the archdiocese Cardinal Josef de Kesel, placed the church in 2013 on the list of buildings that the diocese wants to get rid of, and then closed the place in 2015.

Source: www.pch24.pl