Saintapedia

Sweden

Sweden is a Northern European nation, covering approximately 450,295 km² with a population of about 10.6 million as of 2025.[1] Its official language is Swedish, and its economy relies on technology, manufacturing, and services. The Catholic Church, primarily Latin-rite, with approximately 125,000 adherents (1.2% of the population), is a minority religion, ranking third after non-religious (60%) and Lutheranism (34%), introduced in the 9th century during early Christian missions.[2] Catholicism shapes Sweden’s minority Christian culture, particularly among immigrants and converts, through charity, education, and devotion to Saint Bridget of Sweden.[3]

The Church, with no ecclesiastical provinces and 1 diocese, operates in a predominantly secular state with religious freedom, supported by the 2000 separation of church and state. Catholic communities are concentrated in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, with the Cathedral of Saint Eric in Stockholm as a key spiritual site.[4][5]

Stored: Sweden

Country: Sweden
Historic: No
Existence: 1527–
Continent: Europe
Region: Northern Europe
Historical Region: Viking Sweden, Kalmar Union
Area: 450295 km²
Population: 10600000
Catholic Population: 125000
Catholic Percentage: 1.2%
Catholicism Status: Minority religion, secular majority
Official Languages: Swedish
Capital: Stockholm
Catholicism Introduced: 9th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Saint Bridget of Sweden
Predecessor States: Kalmar Union, Medieval Sweden
Successor States:


Saints

Birthplace

Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden
SaintName SaintBirthPlace
Saint Bridget of Sweden Finsta, Uppland, Sweden
Saint Ingrid of Sweden Skänninge, Sweden

Death place

Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden
SaintName DeathPlace
Saint Ingrid of Sweden Skänninge, Sweden

Notable locations

Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden
SaintName NotableAddress1
Saint Bridget of Sweden Vadstena Abbey, Vadstena, Östergötland, Sweden
Saint Henry of Uppsala Uppsala, Sweden
Saint Ingrid of Sweden Linköping, Sweden


Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden
SaintName NotableAddress2
Saint Bridget of Sweden Alvastra Abbey, Östergötland, Sweden


Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden

No saints found with Notable Address 3 matching Sweden.


Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden

No saints found with Notable Address 4 matching Sweden.


Parameter received: Sweden

Sweden

No saints found with Notable Address 5 matching Sweden.

Geography

Sweden is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Norway, Finland, and the Baltic Sea, with a connection to Denmark via the Øresund Bridge.[6] Its 450,295 km² includes forests, lakes, and the Scandinavian Mountains, with a cold temperate climate. Major cities like Stockholm (the capital), Gothenburg, and Malmö host Catholic communities. The geography supports limited Catholic outreach, with pilgrimage routes to Vadstena.[7]

History

Sweden’s history includes Viking rule (8th–11th centuries), the Kalmar Union (1397–1523), the Swedish Kingdom post-Reformation (1527–present), and modern parliamentary democracy.[8] Catholicism was introduced in the 9th century through missions by Saint Ansgar, becoming dominant until the Reformation in 1527, when Lutheranism was adopted.[9] The Church faced suppression until religious freedom was granted in 1860, reviving through immigrant communities in the 20th century.[10]

Predecessor states

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

Successor states

The Kingdom of Sweden, reformed as a Lutheran state in 1527, 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

Sweden’s 10.6 million people include 1.2% Catholics (125,000), 34% Lutherans, 60% non-religious, and 5% Muslims.[15] Ethnic groups are Swedish (80%), Finnish (2%), and others (18%). Catholicism is concentrated in urban areas like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, among immigrants and converts.[16]

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Sweden comprises 1 diocese, the Diocese of Stockholm, led by Cardinal Anders Arborelius.[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 Stockholm directly subject to the Holy See.[19]

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 9th century through missions by Saint Ansgar, who evangelized the Swedes.[20] It became the state religion under Olof Skötkonung in the 11th century, until the 1527 Reformation.[21]

Key historical events

The 829 mission of Saint Ansgar marked the Church’s arrival.[22] The 1527 Reformation suppressed Catholicism, banning its practice until 1860.[23] The 1951 establishment of the Diocese of Stockholm revitalized the Church.[24]

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 1.2% adherence, is a minority religion in a secular state, formalized by the 2000 separation of church and state.[25] The Church enjoys legal recognition but faces challenges from secularism and Lutheran heritage.[26]

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Saint Bridget of Sweden (July 23) with Masses in Stockholm.[27] Immigrant communities, particularly Polish and Croatian, shape traditions like All Saints’ Day vigils.[28]

Education and charity

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

Art and architecture

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

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Vadstena Abbey, linked to Saint Bridget, is a key pilgrimage site.[33] Cathedral of Saint Eric in Stockholm attracts devotees.[34]

Historical churches

Cathedral of Saint Eric, built in 1892, is a neo-Gothic landmark.[35] Saint Eugenia Church in Stockholm, a 19th-century structure, serves urban Catholics.[36]

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Bridget of Sweden (July 23) is Sweden’s patron.[37]

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable figures include Saint Bridget of Sweden (canonized 1391, mystic and co-patroness of Europe), Saint Ansgar (canonized 9th century, Apostle of the North), and Blessed Elisabeth Hesselblad (canonized 2016, Bridgettine nun).[38][39]

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from secularism, Lutheran heritage, 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. ↑ "Sweden". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/sweden/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Sweden". Wikipedia. 2024-06-15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Sweden. 
  3. ↑ "Catholicism in Sweden". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sweden. 
  4. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Sweden". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/SE.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  6. ↑ "Sweden". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/sweden/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholicism in Sweden". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sweden. 
  8. ↑ "Sweden". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sweden. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Sweden". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14353a.htm. 
  10. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-catholic-church. 
  11. ↑ "History of Sweden". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sweden/History. 
  12. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-catholic-church. 
  13. ↑ "Sweden". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sweden. 
  14. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  15. ↑ "Religion in Sweden". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-sweden/. 
  16. ↑ "Catholicism in Sweden". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sweden. 
  17. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Sweden". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/SE.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Catholic Education in Sweden". Catholic News Agency. 2024-05-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25260/catholic-schools-sweden. 
  19. ↑ "Catholic Dioceses in Sweden". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/SE.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Sweden". New Advent. 1913-01-01. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14353a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-catholic-church. 
  22. ↑ "Diocese of Stockholm". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstoc.html. 
  23. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-catholic-church. 
  24. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  25. ↑ "Religion in Sweden". Pew Research Center. 2020-04-15. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-sweden/. 
  26. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  27. ↑ "Catholicism in Sweden". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sweden. 
  28. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  29. ↑ "Catholic Education in Sweden". Catholic News Agency. 2024-05-15. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25260/catholic-schools-sweden. 
  30. ↑ "Caritas Sweden". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/sweden/. 
  31. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Eric". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Eric-Stockholm. 
  32. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-catholic-church. 
  33. ↑ "Vadstena Abbey". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/europe/1274.htm. 
  34. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  35. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Eric". Britannica. 2024-10-15. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Saint-Eric-Stockholm. 
  36. ↑ "Saint Eugenia Church". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/saint-eugenia-church-stockholm. 
  37. ↑ "Catholicism in Sweden". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sweden. 
  38. ↑ "Swedish Saints". Vatican. 2016-06-05. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2016_en.html. 
  39. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic History". Encyclopedia.com. 2003-01-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sweden-catholic-church. 
  40. ↑ "Sweden’s Catholic Church". Vatican News. 2023-06-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-06/sweden-catholic-church-community.html. 
  41. ↑ "Catholic Youth in Sweden". Catholic News Agency. 2024-06-05. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25265/catholic-youth-sweden. 
  42. ↑ "Caritas Sweden". Caritas Internationalis. 2024-02-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/sweden/. 
  43. ↑ "Catholicism in Sweden". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/sweden. 

External links

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