Much of it is down to Wiels, the centre for contemporary art that persevered with four gruelling years of renovation to make its home in the abandoned Wielemans-Ceuppens brewery at number 354. Wiels has made a name for itself all over the globe, hosting the work of internationally renowned contemporary artists, such as Mike Kelly and Felix Gonzalez- Torres since it opened in 2007.

De Kesel replaces the disgraced Roger Vangheluwe, who resigned after admitting he had sexually abused a family member over a period of years. That blow is still felt among the faithful in Bruges, but their shock has since spread to the rest of the Catholic congregation in Belgium, thanks to growing concern that the Cardinal himself may have knowingly covered up cases of sex abuse by clergy.