The audience with the Scandinavian pilgrims had to take place in the Paul VI Hall. There were more than 1,000 of them, so their presence in the Vatican did not go unnoticed.
They received the Pope with great enthusiasm, and he conveyed this message to them.
POPE FRANCIS
As you return home, then, please remember that a pilgrimage does not end but shifts its focus to the daily “pilgrimage of discipleship” and the call to persevere in the task of evangelization. In this regard, I would encourage your vibrant Catholic communities to cooperate with your fellow Christians, for in these challenging times, scarred by war in Europe and around the world, how much our human family needs a unified witness to the reconciliation, healing and peace that can come only from God.
Through this experience of journeying together as brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray that your hearts will grow strong in faith, hope and love, for they are the three essential elements of Christian life…
The Pope recalled that Catholics are a minority in the countries of northern Europe. However, he stressed that despite this, the number of Catholics is growing.
POPE FRANCIS
You are surely already aware of signs of hope in your home countries, for the Church in your lands, while small, is growing in numbers. It always grows. We can thank Almighty God that the seeds of faith planted and watered there by generations of persevering pastors and people is bearing fruit.
The pilgrimage was organized by the Nordic Bishops' Conference and was attended by faithful from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
JRB
TR: GS
