Representing Pope Leo XIV, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin visited Denmark to mark 1,200 years since the beginning of the Christian mission in the country. Cardinal Parolin’s trip to Copenhagen began on January 24, with ecumenical vespers at the Lutheran Cathedral of Our Lady in the Danish capital.
On January 25, Cardinal Parolin presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Ansgar’s Cathedral, named after the Benedictine monk and missionary who brought Christianity to Scandinavia in 826. In his homily, Cardinal Parolin called for “renewing evangelizing boldness” and “safeguarding hope where history seems weary.”
To commemorate the 12th centenary celebration, the Danish authorities have organized a national program that includes religious services, pilgrimages, conferences, and ecumenical gatherings. Following the Reformation of the 16th century, Denmark became predominantly Lutheran. However, a small and vibrant Catholic presence endures to this day, led by the Diocese of Copenhagen, which encompasses the entire country.
St. Ansgar was born around the year 801 in northern France and carried out his missionary work in Denmark and Sweden. Although St. Ansgar founded early Christian communities in the country, Catholicism took root only by 965 when King Harald Bluetooth received baptism.