About Sweden:
Sweden is the third largest country by geographic are in the European Union and is roughly the same size as California. It had a population of 9.7 million as of 2024, making it only number 14 out of 28 member countries of the E.U. The predominant religion in Sweden, at slightly over half the population, is Lutheran. Catholics make up a tiny portion of the population at only about 1.5%.
About The Catholic Church in Sweden:
One of the latest European countries to be evangelized, Catholicism arrived in the 9th century, brought here by the missionary work of St. Ansgar in the 9th century, with his mission to Birka near Stockholm in 830. This marked the beginning of Christian influence in Sweden. For several hundred years after that, many churches, convents and monasteries were built. Predominant among these was the Gothic cathedral in Uppsala, which held the tomb of the martyred King Eric. Most notable perhaps was Bridget (or Birgitta) of Sweden (1303-1373) who was a wife, mother, visionary, and foundress of the Brigittine Order.By the 12th century, Sweden was organized into an ecclesiastical province with Uppsala as its seat. Stockholm’s role in Catholicism grew with the construction of churches and the influence of religious orders like the Dominicans and Franciscans. The city also became home to St. Eric’s Cathedral, named after the patron saint of Sweden, King Eric IX, who was martyred in 1160.
The Protestant Reformation dramatically changed the religious landscape. Under King Gustav I (1523-1560) victory in the Swedish War of Liberation against King Christian II of Denmark ended foreign domination over Sweden. In 1527, King Gustav Vasa broke Sweden’s ties with the Roman Catholic Church, establishing Lutheranism as the state religion. This led to the confiscation of church property, the dissolution of monasteries, and the expulsion of Catholic clergy. The Bridgettine order, founded by St. Bridget of Sweden, was particularly affected, with its members being expelled from Vadstena in 1595.
For centuries after the Reformation, Catholicism was effectively outlawed in Sweden. Catholics faced severe penalties, including exile or death. It wasn’t until the 18th century, with the Tolerance Act of 1781 by King Gustav III, that some rights were granted to foreign Catholics. However, restrictions persisted, and it wasn’t until the late 19th century that Swedes could legally convert to Catholicism without facing punishment.
The 21st century has brought growth to the Catholic Church in Sweden, primarily as a result of immigration from other European countries such as Poland and Croatia; plus some of South American or Middle Eastern (especially Assyrian) origin.
Catholic places of interest in Sweden:
Stockholm: Several Catholic places of interest
Vadstena: Vadstena Abbey, Tomb of Saint Brigid of Sweden.