Saintapedia

Finland

Finland is a Northern European nation, covering approximately 338,455 km² with a population of about 5.6 million as of 2025.[1] Its official languages are Finnish and Swedish, and its economy relies on technology, forestry, and services. The Catholic Church, primarily Latin-rite, with approximately 16,000 adherents (0.3% of the population), is a minority religion, ranking third after Lutheranism (66%) and non-religious (28%), introduced in the 12th century during the Northern Crusades.[2] Catholicism shapes Finland’s minority Christian culture, particularly among immigrants and converts, through charity, education, and devotion to Saint Henry.[3]

The Church, with no ecclesiastical provinces and 1 diocese, operates in a predominantly Lutheran, secular state with religious freedom, supported by the 1923 Freedom of Religion Act. Catholic communities are concentrated in Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, with the Cathedral of Saint Henry in Helsinki as a key spiritual site.[4][5]

Stored: Finland

Country: Finland
Historic: No
Existence: 1917–
Continent: Europe
Region: Northern Europe
Historical Region: Medieval Finland, Swedish Finland
Area: 338455 km²
Population: 5600000
Catholic Population: 16000
Catholic Percentage: 0.3%
Catholicism Status: Minority religion, Lutheran majority
Official Languages: Finnish, Swedish
Capital: Helsinki
Catholicism Introduced: 12th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Saint Henry
Predecessor States: Russian Finland, Swedish Finland
Successor States:


Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Finland

Finland

No saints found with birth place matching Finland.

Death place

Parameter received: Finland

Finland
SaintName DeathPlace
Saint Henry of Uppsala Near Nousiainen, Finland

Notable locations

Parameter received: Finland

Finland

No saints found with Notable Address 1 matching Finland.


Parameter received: Finland

Finland
SaintName NotableAddress2
Saint Henry of Uppsala Turku, Finland


Parameter received: Finland

Finland

No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Finland.


Parameter received: Finland

Finland

No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Finland.


Parameter received: Finland

Finland

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Finland.

Geography

Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Baltic Sea.[6] Its 338,455 km² includes lakes, forests, and Arctic Lapland, with a cold temperate climate. Major cities like Helsinki (the capital), Turku, and Tampere host Catholic communities. The geography supports limited Catholic outreach, with pilgrimage routes to Turku.[7]

History

Finland’s history includes medieval tribal societies, Swedish rule (1150–1809), Russian rule (1809–1917), and independence since 1917.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 12th century during the Northern Crusades, led by Saint Henry, and was dominant until the Reformation in the 16th century, when Lutheranism was adopted.[9] The Church faced suppression until religious freedom was granted in 1923, reviving through immigrant communities in the 20th century.[10]

Predecessor states

Finland’s territory was part of medieval Finnish tribes, Swedish Finland, and Russian Finland.[11] Russian Finland preceded the modern state, with Catholicism present pre-Reformation.[12]

Successor states

The Republic of Finland, established in 1917, 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

Finland’s 5.6 million people include 0.3% Catholics (16,000), 66% Lutherans, 28% non-religious, and 1% Orthodox.[15] Ethnic groups are Finnish (87%), Swedish (5%), and others (8%). Catholicism is concentrated in urban areas like Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, among immigrants and converts.[16]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Finland comprises 1 diocese, the Diocese of Helsinki, led by Bishop Raimo Goyarrola.[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 Helsinki directly subject to the Holy See.[19]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 12th century during the Northern Crusades, led by Saint Henry, who is considered Finland’s first bishop.[20] It was the dominant religion until the 16th-century Reformation under Swedish rule.[21]

Key historical events

The 1155 First Crusade to Finland, led by Saint Henry, marked the Church’s arrival.[22] The 16th-century Reformation suppressed Catholicism, banning its practice until 1923.[23] The 1955 establishment of the Diocese of Helsinki revitalized the Church.[24]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 0.3% adherence, is a minority religion in a secular state under the 1923 Freedom of Religion Act.[25] The Church enjoys legal recognition but faces challenges from Lutheran dominance and secularization.[26]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Saint Henry (January 19) with Masses in Helsinki.[27] Immigrant communities, particularly Polish and Vietnamese, shape traditions like All Saints’ Day vigils.[28]

Education and charity

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

Art and architecture

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

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Cathedral of Saint Henry in Helsinki is a minor pilgrimage site.[33] Turku Cathedral, though now Lutheran, attracts Catholic pilgrims for its historical significance.[34]

Historical churches

Cathedral of Saint Henry, built in 1860, is a neo-Gothic landmark.[35] Saint Bridget and Blessed Hemming Church in Turku, a 20th-century structure, serves local Catholics.[36]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Henry (January 19) is Finland’s patron.[37]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Henry (canonized 1158, first bishop of Finland) and Blessed Hemming (beatified 1514, bishop of Turku).[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. ↑ "Finland". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/finland/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Finland". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Finland. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Finland". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/finland. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Finland". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/FI.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  6. ↑ "Finland". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/finland/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Finland". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/finland. 
  8. ↑ "Finland". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Finland". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06077a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/finland-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "History of Finland". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland/History. 
  12. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/finland-catholic-church. 
  13. ↑ "Finland". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland. 
  14. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  15. ↑ "Religion in Finland". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-finland/. 
  16. ↑ "Catholicism in Finland". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/finland. 
  17. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Finland". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/FI.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Education in Finland". Catholic News Agency. 2024-07-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25280/catholic-schools-finland. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Finland". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/FI.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Finland". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06077a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/finland-catholic-church. 
  22. ↑ "Diocese of Helsinki". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dhels.html. 
  23. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/finland-catholic-church. 
  24. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  25. ↑ "Religion in Finland". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-finland/. 
  26. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Finland". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/finland. 
  28. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Education in Finland". Catholic News Agency. 2024-07-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25280/catholic-schools-finland. 
  30. ↑ "Caritas Finland". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/finland/. 
  31. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Henry". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Henry-Helsinki. 
  32. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/finland-catholic-church. 
  33. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Henry". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1276.htm. 
  34. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  35. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Henry". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Henry-Helsinki. 
  36. ↑ "Saint Bridget Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/saint-bridget-church-turku. 
  37. ↑ "Catholicism in Finland". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/finland. 
  38. ↑ "Finnish Saints". Vatican. 1158-01-01. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_1158_en.html. 
  39. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/finland-catholic-church. 
  40. ↑ "Finland’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-04-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-04/finland-catholic-church-community.html. 
  41. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Finland". Catholic News Agency. 2024-08-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25285/catholic-youth-finland. 
  42. ↑ "Caritas Finland". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/finland/. 
  43. ↑ "Catholicism in Finland". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/finland. 

External links

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