The Pope visits Sweden for Reformation Kick off celebrations

All photos: copyright Jacob Regner

Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic church, had a meeting today in Lund, Sweden, with King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden.

"We too must look with love and honesty at our past, recognizing error and seeking forgiveness, for God alone is our judge," Francis said at an ecumenical service at the Lutheran cathedral in Lund.

"With gratitude we acknowledge that the Reformation helped give greater centrality to sacred scripture in the (Catholic) Church's life," he said.

The joint prayer service was held in the city where the Lutheran World Federation was founded 50 years ago.

October 31 is Reformation Day, which honors and celebrates Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg Castle, igniting the fire that led to the Reformation and the establishment of the Lutheran Church.  Today starts the countdown to October 31, 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Luther's action.

Jakob Regner lives near Lund and got good shots of the King and Queen and the Pope.  Thanks, Jakob, for allowing me to use these photos.