Denmark

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Denmark is a Northern European nation, covering approximately 43,094 km² with a population of about 6 million as of 2025.[1] Its official language is Danish, and its economy relies on services, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The Catholic Church, primarily Latin-rite, with approximately 48,000 adherents (0.8% of the population), is a minority religion, ranking third after Lutheranism (74%) and non-religious (20%), introduced in the 9th century during early Christian missions.[2] Catholicism shapes Denmark’s minority Christian culture, particularly among immigrants and converts, through charity, education, and devotion to Saint Canute.[3]

The Church, with no ecclesiastical provinces and 1 diocese, operates in a predominantly Lutheran, secular state with religious freedom, supported by the 1849 Constitution. Catholic communities are concentrated in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense, with the Cathedral of Saint Ansgar in Copenhagen as a key spiritual site.[4][5]

Stored: Denmark

Country: Denmark
Historic: No
Existence: 1849–
Continent: Europe
Region: Northern Europe
Historical Region: Viking Denmark, Kalmar Union
Area: 43094 km²
Population: 6000000
Catholic Population: 48000
Catholic Percentage: 0.8%
Catholicism Status: Minority religion, Lutheran majority
Official Languages: Danish
Capital: Copenhagen
Catholicism Introduced: 9th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Saint Canute
Predecessor States: Kalmar Union, Danish Kingdom
Successor States:


Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark
SaintName SaintBirthPlace
Saint Canute IV of Denmark Denmark

Death place

Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark
SaintName DeathPlace
Saint Canute IV of Denmark Odense, Island of Funen, Denmark
Saint Theodgar of Vestervig Jutland, Denmark

Notable locations

Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark
SaintName NotableAddress1
Saint Canute IV of Denmark St. Canute's Cathedral (Odense Cathedral), Klosterbakken 2, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Saint Theodgar of Vestervig Vestervig Abbey, 9480 Vestervig, Denmark


Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark
SaintName NotableAddress2
Saint Theodgar of Vestervig St. Thøger Church, Thisted, Denmark


Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark

No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Denmark.


Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark
SaintName NotableAddress4
Pope Saint Clement I St. Clement's Cathedral, Aarhus, Denmark


Parameter received: Denmark

Denmark

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Denmark.

Geography

Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Germany, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea, with connections to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge.[6] Its 43,094 km² includes Jutland and numerous islands, with a temperate climate. Major cities like Copenhagen (the capital), Aarhus, and Odense host Catholic communities. The geography supports limited Catholic outreach, with pilgrimage routes to Copenhagen.[7]

History

Denmark’s history includes Viking rule (8th–11th centuries), the Kalmar Union (1397–1523), the Danish Kingdom, and the modern constitutional monarchy since 1849.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 9th century through missions by Saint Ansgar, becoming dominant until the Reformation in 1536, when Lutheranism was adopted.[9] The Church faced suppression until religious freedom was granted in 1849, reviving through immigrant communities in the 20th century.[10]

Predecessor states

Denmark’s territory was part of Viking-era chiefdoms and the Kalmar Union.[11] The Danish Kingdom under the Kalmar Union preceded the modern state, with Catholicism dominant pre-Reformation.[12]

Successor states

The Kingdom of Denmark, established as a constitutional monarchy in 1849, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.[13] The Catholic Church operates within a secular framework, focusing on pastoral care and charity for minority communities.[14]

Demographics

Denmark’s 6 million people include 0.8% Catholics (48,000), 74% Lutherans, 20% non-religious, and 5% Muslims.[15] Ethnic groups are Danish (86%), Turkish (1%), and others (13%). Catholicism is concentrated in urban areas like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense, among immigrants and converts.[16]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Denmark comprises 1 diocese, the Diocese of Copenhagen, led by Bishop Czeslaw Kozon.[17] The Church runs limited schools and charities, constrained by its minority status.[18]

Structure

The Church has no ecclesiastical provinces, with the Diocese of Copenhagen directly subject to the Holy See.[19]

  • Diocese of Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Nationwide): Serves all of Denmark, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 9th century through missions by Saint Ansgar, who evangelized the Danes.[20] It became the state religion under Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century, until the 1536 Reformation.[21]

Key historical events

The 826 mission of Saint Ansgar marked the Church’s arrival.[22] The 1536 Reformation suppressed Catholicism, banning its practice until 1849.[23] The 1953 re-establishment of the Diocese of Copenhagen revitalized the Church.[24]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 0.8% adherence, is a minority religion in a secular state under the 1849 Constitution, which ensures religious freedom.[25] The Church enjoys legal recognition but faces challenges from Lutheran dominance and secularization.[26]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Saint Canute (January 19) with Masses in Copenhagen.[27] Immigrant communities, particularly Polish and Vietnamese, shape traditions like Christmas Eve vigils.[28]

Education and charity

The Church operates a few schools in Copenhagen and Aarhus.[29] Caritas Denmark supports refugees and the poor, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching.[30]

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in the Cathedral of Saint Ansgar, a 19th-century neo-Gothic structure in Copenhagen.[31] Churches feature Scandinavian minimalist designs.[32]

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Cathedral of Saint Ansgar in Copenhagen is a minor pilgrimage site.[33] Saint Knud’s Church in Odense attracts devotees.[34]

Historical churches

Cathedral of Saint Ansgar, built in 1842, is a neo-Gothic landmark.[35] Jesuit Church in Copenhagen, a 19th-century structure, serves urban Catholics.[36]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Canute (January 19) is Denmark’s patron.[37]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Ansgar (canonized 9th century, Apostle of the North) and Saint Canute (canonized 1101, martyred king).[38][39]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from Lutheran dominance, secularization, and a small Catholic population.[40] It counters these through ecumenical dialogue, immigrant outreach, and youth programs.[41]

Social and political influence

The Church influences charity and education, guided by Catholic Social Teaching.[42] It has minimal political influence but supports immigrant integration and interfaith harmony.[43]

References

  1. ↑ "Denmark". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/denmark/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Denmark". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Denmark. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Denmark". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/denmark. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Denmark". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/DK.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  6. ↑ "Denmark". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/denmark/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Denmark". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/denmark. 
  8. ↑ "Denmark". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Denmark. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Denmark". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04708a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/denmark-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "History of Denmark". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Denmark/History. 
  12. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/denmark-catholic-church. 
  13. ↑ "Denmark". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Denmark. 
  14. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  15. ↑ "Religion in Denmark". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-denmark/. 
  16. ↑ "Catholicism in Denmark". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/denmark. 
  17. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Denmark". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/DK.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Education in Denmark". Catholic News Agency. 2024-04-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25250/catholic-schools-denmark. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Denmark". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/DK.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Denmark". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04708a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/denmark-catholic-church. 
  22. ↑ "Diocese of Copenhagen". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcope.html. 
  23. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/denmark-catholic-church. 
  24. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  25. ↑ "Religion in Denmark". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-denmark/. 
  26. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Denmark". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/denmark. 
  28. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Education in Denmark". Catholic News Agency. 2024-04-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25250/catholic-schools-denmark. 
  30. ↑ "Caritas Denmark". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/denmark/. 
  31. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Ansgar". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Ansgar-Copenhagen. 
  32. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/denmark-catholic-church. 
  33. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Ansgar". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1273.htm. 
  34. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  35. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Ansgar". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Ansgar-Copenhagen. 
  36. ↑ "Jesuit Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/jesuit-church-copenhagen. 
  37. ↑ "Catholicism in Denmark". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/denmark. 
  38. ↑ "Danish Saints". Vatican. 1101-01-01. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_1101_en.html. 
  39. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/denmark-catholic-church. 
  40. ↑ "Denmark’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-07-05. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/denmark-catholic-church-community.html. 
  41. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Denmark". Catholic News Agency. 2024-05-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25255/catholic-youth-denmark. 
  42. ↑ "Caritas Denmark". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/denmark/. 
  43. ↑ "Catholicism in Denmark". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/denmark. 

External links

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