Today, Pope Franciscus will be in Lund. But what is actually going to happen, and why?
What will happen and where?
11:00 AM. Pope Franciscus touches ground at Malmö Aeroport and will be greeted by Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén.
1:30 PM. The student Papal parade, initiated by the students’ Cardinal committee – religiously unbiased – will commence from Clemenstorget and finish at Stortorget.
1:50 PM. The Pope will meet with the royal family. Kungshuset, Lund.
2:30 PM. Ecumenical service in Lund Cathederal. Invitation required.
Tuesday November 1, 2016:
- Holy Mass in Malmö at 09:30 at Swedbank stadion. The mass will take around two hours.
- Farewell Ceremony at the International Airport of Malmö at 12:30
- Departure for Rome at 12:45
How can I stay updated?
Sadly, the centre of Lund will largely be closed for non-participants. Swedish National Television (SVT 1) will broadcast the event live, starting at 2.15 PM, and at Stortorget in Lund, the whole event can be seen via live-stream.
Background
To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Pope Franciscus travels to Lund. This will be the very first time Protestants and Catholics will gather to remember the Reformation with a common service – something both the religious branches no doubt have different views on. For five centuries, Protestants have celebrated the anniversary in the name of religious liberation, whilst Catholics view the Reformation as reason for religious disintegration, wars, and persecution.
The Pope will sign five fellow-Christian matters, which Catholics and Protestans shall agree upon. An historic day for Christianity, then, and a huge step towards a more unified Christian landscape.
Why Lund?
In the year of 1947, the Lutheran World Federation was founded in Lund. Therefore, it is natural to celebrate the Reformation here. Additionally, Lund is seen as particularly suitable, since Christianity has been strong in the city for a thousand years.
On the guest list
Around 500 people have been invited to the service in Lund Cathederal. Among those invited can be seen a great number of Swedish politicians, as well as representatives from both Christian directions. Below, a small selection is given. Find the whole list here.
Pope Franciscus
King Charles XVI Gustavus and Queen Silvia
Stefan Löfvén, Prime Minister
Antje Jackelén, Arch Bishop of the Church of Sweden
Martin Junge, general secretary for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Munib Younan, president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Torbjörn von Schantz, Vice-Chanchellor of Lund University.
Text by: Filippa Werner Sellbjer Translation by: Richard Helander