This issue of Fides reflects the life of the Catholic Church in Finland at the beginning of 2026 as a living, growing and self-reflective community, firmly rooted in tradition while engaging with the challenges of the present.
The issue opens with Pope Leo XIV’s address to an ecumenical delegation from Finland, delivered during their pilgrimage to Rome on the feast of Saint Henry. In his address, the Pope warmly welcomes the delegation and highlights the long tradition of Finnish ecumenical cooperation. He emphasises that genuine ecumenism grows from prayer, mutual trust and concrete collaboration, and encourages continued dialogue grounded in a shared faith in Christ. Finnish experiences of lived and practical ecumenism, he notes, can offer valuable contributions to the next phase of international Catholic–Lutheran dialogue.
”At a time when people are often tempted by a sense of hopelessness, we have the essential mission, as Christian messengers of hope, to bring the Lord’s light into the darkest corners of our world. Although the Jubilee of Hope has now concluded with the recent closing of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, our Christian hope knows no end and no limit. Thus, encouraged and strengthened by the grace of Jesus Christ, who is the very incarnation of hope for all, we are called and sent out to bear witness to this saving truth with edifying words and charitable deeds.
In this regard, I appreciate the many signs of hope to be found among the Christians of Finland. In particular, I was pleased to learn that Finland has been described as “a model country for ecumenism.” Indeed, I know that the bishops of Helsinki, in a trilateral Orthodox-Lutheran-Catholic declaration, are seeking to promote a “culture of hope, dignity, and compassion,” and have jointly affirmed that “the development of palliative and end-of-life care must continue.” It is also noteworthy that the Catholic Nordic Bishops’ Conference has acknowledged the document of the National Catholic-Lutheran Dialogue, “Communion in Growth,” in its own “Reception Statement” last September, calling it a “valuable milestone on the ecumenical journey.” Such examples of cooperation, together with the long-standing tradition of jointly celebrating Saint Henry’s Day, are eloquent signs of a practical and fruitful ecumenism, and can serve to encourage the Sixth Phase of the International Catholic-Lutheran Dialogue, which begins next month. I am sure that Bishop Goyarrola, as Co-Chair, will bring these positive experiences of Finnish ecumenism to this Dialogue.”
The Pope’s address is followed by Bishop Raimo Goyarrola’s homily preached in Rome. Reflecting on the historical setting of Santa Maria dell’Anima, the Bishop recalls the shared Christian heritage of Catholics, Lutherans and Orthodox believers. He underlines that Christian unity is rooted in Christ rather than uniformity, and calls the faithful to place their hope fully in Christ, to grow in communion, and to entrust their journey to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Henry and Blessed Hemming.
During the same visit to Rome, Bishop Raimo also took concrete steps to advance the cause of Blessed Hemming of Turku. He met with representatives of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to discuss the current state of the canonisation process. The meeting was described as constructive and encourages hope that progress may continue in the coming years.
Several articles in the issue focus on the theme of the new evangelisation. Drawing on key magisterial texts from Pope Paul VI to Pope Francis, the articles explain that evangelisation does not mean a new Gospel, but renewed fidelity, zeal and creativity in proclaiming the same unchanging message. Evangelisation is presented not merely as a set of strategies, but as a spiritual task rooted in personal conversion and lived through witness, catechesis, liturgy, media and personal encounter.
The issue also reports on the Diocese of Helsinki’s newly adopted property strategy, the first comprehensive framework for managing diocesan properties. Responding to the steady growth of the Catholic community in Finland, the strategy aims to ensure responsible stewardship, financial sustainability and adequate facilities for pastoral life in the coming decades.
A philosophical essay engages the thought of Hannah Arendt, placing her reflections on human responsibility and moral boundaries in dialogue with Christian tradition, particularly with Saint Augustine. The article invites readers to consider how clearly defined moral limits can serve human dignity and genuine freedom rather than restrict them.
Personal faith journeys are represented by “My Journey to the Catholic Church”, a testimony describing a gradual and reflective journey into Catholicism. The narrative highlights the role of liturgy, historical continuity and spiritual depth in shaping a living faith.
Global concerns are addressed through a summary of the World Watch List, which documents the growing persecution of Christians worldwide and calls for prayer, awareness and solidarity with those who suffer for their faith.
The issue also includes a review of New Short History of the Catholic Church by Norman Tanner SJ. The review presents the book as a balanced and accessible introduction to Church history, especially for non-Catholic readers, and highlights its portrayal of the Church as a living community shaped by both continuity and internal tensions.
The editorial concludes the issue by emphasising that the Church is alive and moving forward. Growth is not only numerical, but spiritual and communal. Readers are invited to deepen their faith, strengthen parish life and share responsibility for the Church’s mission in today’s society.
These and all other articles are available also in English on the Fides website at fides.katolinen.fi/en.
Happy reading!