Estonian Foreign Ministry, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pope Francis Commends Estonia’s Resilient Catholic Community
In a recent letter, Pope Francis addressed Estonia’s Catholic faithful, expressing admiration for their resilience and commitment to faith after decades of Soviet repression. Sent to Bishop Philippe Jourdan on November 1, 2024, the Pope’s letter celebrates Estonia’s small but vibrant Catholic Church, now flourishing after years of suppression and marginalization. You can read the full text of the Pope’s letter here.
Under Soviet rule, Estonia’s religious practices were restricted, with churches shut down and faith communities forced underground. Since gaining independence in 1991, the Catholic community has worked tirelessly to rebuild. Pope Francis praised this journey, acknowledging the strength Estonian Catholics have shown in overcoming the legacy of oppression to renew their faith and community.
The Pope’s message included a heartfelt call to the youth of Estonia, who are increasingly active in this renewal. He encouraged young Catholics to live their faith courageously, acting as “salt and light” in a society where religion plays a limited role. In Estonia, one of Europe’s most secular countries, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of embodying Christian values in everyday life and creating a positive impact through service and compassion.
Additionally, Pope Francis urged Estonian Catholics to embrace unity and understanding, both within the Church and across society. Estonia’s history of occupation has fostered complex social dynamics, making the Church’s role in promoting peace and healing particularly crucial. By building bridges between various communities and embracing all people with compassion, Estonian Catholics can help create a more unified and peaceful society, he wrote.
Pope Francis also highlighted the unique role of the Church in Estonia’s secular society, encouraging Catholics to be a “living witness” to faith. He stressed that the Church’s influence could extend far beyond traditional practices, inspiring others through acts of kindness and justice. In a country where many are unfamiliar with religious life, this inclusive approach allows the Church to be relevant and inviting.
Through his letter, Pope Francis paid tribute to the resilience of Estonia’s Catholic Church, celebrating their journey of rebuilding and unity. Assuring the community of his prayers, he encouraged them to keep moving forward in faith and continue their work toward creating a compassionate society. His message underscored the universal nature of the Catholic Church, showing solidarity and support for Estonia’s faithful as they strengthen their mission and reach out to others.