Both Catholics and Protestants celebrated the Papal visit in Lund in the advent of the 500 year anniversary of the Reformation. In one of the world’s most secularised countries, it is fascinating that this visit has received so much attention.
In social media, discussions about the Papal visit were ubiquitous, and oppositional efforts were arranged in many places; among other things, the newly formed Cardinal committee arranged a Papal parade for students who had not been invited to Lund Cathederal.
Pope Francis landed 10:40 AM, at Malmö Airport. The visit began with a formal handshake with Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén; then, Pope Francis went to meet with the king and queen at Kungshuset in Lund.
Huge police efforts
It was almost like some world renown artist or rock star had arrived to picturesque Lund, and police efforts have never been as extensive around a cultural arrangement – it even entailed regular patrolling, motorcycle police, and helicopter surveillance.
Time of division has passed
It was not until after the meeting at Kungshuset that the Pope went to perform what he had actually come for, i.e. the common ecumenical service in Lund Cathederal. In connection with the service, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) together with the Catholic Church declared a common commitment that means that the two religious directions want to move away from conflict, and towards reconciliation and unity.
“Now, we have an opportunity to repair a crucial event in our common history, through moving beyond our controversies and differing opinions that have hindered us far too often from understanding each other before,” says Pope Francis.
Apart from Pope Francis, Bishop Dr. Munib Al Younan, President of LWF was present – the two held the service together. Thus, this event is a historic one. It clearly marks the beginning of an end of a conflict spanning almost 500 years.
“We hereby admit that there is far more uniting us, than there is setting us apart,” Bishop Dr. Munib Al Younan declared.
Eurovision for activists
After the service in Lund, the Pope went with his entourage to Malmö to join the event at Malmö Arena. In comparison to the solemn service in Lund, encompassed by all the heritage in the Cathederal, the event in Malmö seemed more like a mix of Eurovision Song Contest and an activist rally. The event’s theme was Across borders and it focussed on the situation of the refugees of the world.
Having both Cirkus Cirkör and Malena Ernman present, as well as activists from all corners of the earth, the event was breath-taking. Focal questions apart from the refugee crisis were the climate threat, the Syrian wars, and the conflicts in South Sudan, Burundi, and Colombia, among other things.
There was also a strong emphasis on the rejection of nationalism, and embracing of a global community. This was not least evident when the words of Cirkus Cirkör echoed through the massive arena:
“When I was a kid, I took the boat from Finland to Sweden, and I couldn’t fathom how there could be a border through something as ever-changing as water?”
Papal speech
Pope Francis also gave an emphatic and emotional speech, in which he spoke about the fact that the agreement made in Lund as such was not important; instead, the important thing is how to work for peace and unity.
“Thanks to this new atmosphere of understanding, Caritas Internationalis’s and LWF’s World Service will be able to sign a common statement on deepening their collaboration to strengthen and develop the spirit of cooperation, and promote human value and dignity, as well as social justice,” Pope Francis said.
He commended all environmental activists in the world and urged them to continue fighting.
“I share your concern about the acts of cruelness hurting our planet, our mutual home, and which result in devastating effects for our climate,” Pope Francis said.
After that, he noted that it is none other than the weakest in society who are most affected by climate change, and that it should be the obligation of every Christian to protect what God created. He also stated clearly his view that Christians should do more to help those who have fled from wars.
“I also want to thank all governments of the world that choose to help refugees and asylum seekers,” he said.
Prime Minister sees the light
To close the event, Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén also gave a speech where he propagated for further developments in international peace collaboration.
“This ecumenical gathering is such a ray of light. All you who march for peace around the world, your actions and your faith and your unity makes a difference. War is created by people, and if enough people unite to make peace, peace will reign,” Stefan Löfvén said.
Great costs
The Papal visit cost around eight million SEK of tax-payers’ money, according to the Swedish Church. But pride in Lund and Malmö was obvious, and nobody can accuse the Pope not taking his celebrity status seriously. If anyone, he tries to use his stardom to force us to listen to the stories otherwise running the risk of drowning in the white noise of media or the foamy white waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
Text: Axel Rydén and Tindra Englund
