Apostolic journey of His Holiness POPE FRANCIS to Estonia

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1 Apostolic journey of His Holiness POPE FRANCIS to Estonia 25 September 2018

2 Dear reader, I am delighted to present this booklet for you to learn a bit more about Estonia, its people, and especially its Catholic community. Pope Francis visit is a great joy and honour for all of us. We have found it a challenge to prepare for the papal visit, precisely because of our small size. It is also a challenge for the Holy Father, who, in Estonia, will encounter one of the smallest Catholic communities he has ever met with, and in one of the least religious countries he has ever visited. But the Holy Father himself tells us that the Catholic Church cannot stay in its buildings or in its traditional heartlands and wait for the people to come to it. The Church has to reach everyone, and the Pope is leading by his example in his visit to our country. Here, Pope Francis will speak to Estonia and from Estonia to the half of humanity where the Catholic Church and often the Christian faith has a very small presence. He will give us hope and strength to be a seed of light and peace in our society. I wish you a very pleasant stay in Tallinn, the capital of a country that, despite its great sufferings and difficulties, found in its faith and its culture the strength to remain united. Since the 13th century, Estonia, as part of Old Livonia, has been blessed as the Land of Mary, Terra Mariana. May the Mother of God accompany us on this historic day that will be spent in Tallinn together with the successor of Peter. Bishop Philippe Jourdan Apostolic Administrator of Estonia

3 Contents Introduction... 5 Short overview of the Roman Catholic Church in Estonia... 7 Facts and figures of the Catholic Church in Estonia... 8 Programme of the Apostolic journey to Estonia... 9 Logo and motto Information for accredited journalists Host broadcaster Press and Info centres Translation and speeches Registration and tickets for main events Websites and social media Team reasons to visit Estonia

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5 Introduction His Holiness Pope Francis will be making a one-day visit to Estonia on Tuesday 25 September Pope Francis is primarily visiting small nations who have suffered a great deal in their history, which is why he has also chosen to visit and support the Baltic States. The visit by His Holiness Pope Francis is also linked to the centenary anniversary of the independence of the Baltic States. His Holiness will be visiting Vilnius and Kaunas in Lithuania on 22&23 September, and Riga and Aglona in Latvia on 24 September, before arriving in Tallinn on 25 September. Pope Francis will end his visit here and then return to the Vatican The visit of Pope Francis to Estonia is not a typical visit of a head of state. Pope Francis is arguably among the most respected and loved world leaders today. As well as being the head of Catholic Church, and despite having no real physical power the pope commands no army Pope Francis has moral and spiritual authority of the highest order. Since his election, he has been the voice of those who live on the peripheries: the poor, the abandoned, the unborn and those suffering from war and persecution. The Pope himself has unique qualities as a person. Through his humility and simplicity, we see a living example of Jesus teachings. His moral authority comes not just through words but also through deeds. When the Pope speaks, the world listens, as he is one of the few global leaders that has the courage to call things by their proper name and also the strength to lead by example. Pope Francis has clearly embraced John s advice: Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth (1 Jn 3:18). During his visit, the Pope will remind us that we must put the least of these brothers and sisters the poor and the marginalised at the centre of our concerns, because this is the only way to love Christ: you did for me. He will remind us that the Lord s most powerful message is mercy; that we have an obligation to protect our planet; that the youth are the future of humanity, but at the same time, that we cannot forget our 5

6 roots. He will, once more, call out for the unity of the Church, because the scope of this trip is also ecumenical: that we all may be one (cf. Jh 17:21). As the Successor of Saint Peter, the Pope of Rome has, first of all, a spiritual mission to take care of Christ s flock until His second coming. Before His Passion, Jesus said to Pete, I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail, and once you have recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers (Lk 22:32). After His Resurrection, Jesus confirmed this mandate when He told him, Look after my sheep (Jh 21:16). This is the job of the Pope: not political or diplomatic, but pre-eminently religious. Yet the Pope s flock includes not only the Catholic Church, but also the entire world. In Estonia, he will address not only Catholics, but also every person of good will, all those wanting to hear him. The Pope will bring to Estonia his message which is, in fact, Christ s message of hope, peace and fraternity. Those who will have the good fortune to meet with him and hear him will notice how close and transparent he makes the joy of the Gospel. For all those living in Estonia Catholics, non-catholics, and even non-christians this is a very special occasion and a true blessing from God. We would like you all to join us. 6

7 Short overview of the Roman Catholic Church in Estonia The history of Catholicism in Estonia and Livonia dates back to the second half of the 12 th century. In 1215, Pope Innocent III dedicated Livonia and Estonia to the Virgin Mary. Since then, Estonia has also been called Terra Mariana, the Land of Mary (in Estonian: Maarjamaa). In 1523, Martin Luther wrote a letter addressed To the Chosen Beloved, God s Friends in Riga, Tallinn, Tartu and Livonia, which marked the start of the Reformation in Tallinn. In 1561, Tallinn swore allegiance to the Protestant king of Sweden, while Tartu and the Livonian territories were given to Poland in In 1625, the town of Tartu surrendered to Swedish troops, and the Jesuits and Catholic clergy left the town. In 1798, Tallinn s Spanish garrison commander demanded a church for his Catholic army. The newly established parish was placed under the authority of the Mogilev Archdiocese. Parishes in other towns were also founded during this period. In 1914, shortly before the First World War, there were nearly 6,000 Catholics living in Estonia. In 1924, the Holy See established the Apostolic Administration of Estonia. In 1936, for the first time since the Reformation, the Catholic Church had a bishop in Tallinn, Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, S.J. During the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1991, Catholic organisations were not granted authorisation or a meeting permit, nor were they allowed to distribute Catholic literature. In addition, a large part of the Church s property was seized. After the decline in state pressure in the 1970s, the number of church attendees rose again. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited Estonia. In 2005, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Philippe Jourdan as the Apostolic Administrator in Estonia. There are about 6,000 Catholics in Estonia today. 7

8 Facts and figures of the Catholic Church in Estonia Estonia has a centuries-long Catholic past. There were periods in history when the Church was oppressed, its activities were limited, or, even when the doors of the Church were shut by the authorities, but the sacred liturgical services did not cease during the centuries. In the Land of Mary, there have always been Catholic clerics taking care of Catholic souls. Religion in Estonia (2011): Non-religious 54.14% Eastern Orthodoxy 16.15% Lutheranism 9.91% Other Christians 2.00% Other religions 1.25% Undeclared 16.55% Roman Catholic Church 5,745 adherents (census data, 2000). There are several active Catholic organisations in Estonia, including the Prelature of Opus Dei, the Neocatechumenal Way community, and the Redemptoris Mater diocesan priestly seminary. In addition, the following orders have presences in Estonia: the Order of Dominican Brothers; the Order of the Most Holy Saviour of Saint Bridget; the Third Order of Saint Francis; the Congregation of Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary; and the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, or Mother Teresa Sisters. In total, the following religious serve in Estonia (April 2018): 1 bishop, 15 priests, 18 dedicated order sisters and one Dominican brother-priest related to orders. 8

9 Apostolic journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Estonia TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER :15 Farewell at Vilnius International Airport 8:30 Departure by air from Vilnius International Airport for Tallinn 9:50 Arrival at Tallinn International Airport Official welcome 10:15 Welcome ceremony on the Square in front of the Presidential Palace in Kadriorg 10:30 Courtesy visit to the President in the Presidential Palace in Kadriorg 11:00 Meeting with the civil Authorities, civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps in the Rose Garden of the Presidential Palace in Kadriorg 11:50 Ecumenical meeting with young people in Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Kaarli Church. Artistic performances and testimonials are planned, all culminating with an address to the young people by Pope Francis himself. 13:00 Lunch with the papal entourage in the Convent of the Brigidine Sisters in Pirita 15:15 Meeting with those assisted by the Charitable Works of the Church in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul 16:30 Holy Mass in Vabaduse (Freedom) Square The Papal Mass will be the highpoint of the Pope s visit to Estonia It will be possible to watch a live broadcast of the Holy Mass on screens set up in Vabaduse Square and Harju street. People who are not registered are also invited to take part in the Holy Mass in the areas especially designated for them. 18:30 Farewell ceremony at Tallinn International Airport 18:45 Departure by air from Tallinn International Airport for Rome 21:20 Arrival at Rome-Ciampino International Airport 9

10 Vabaduse (Freedom) Square. 10

11 Evangelical Lutheran Kaarli Church, floor plan. 11

12 Logo and motto In the logo for the visit, Pope Francis has, as a background, a golden image of Maarjamaa Terra Mariana. In the gold of the Holy See, there is hope that the Pope s spiritual power will also touch the people of Estonia. The golden background and the white of the Pope s habit, form the main colours of the flag of the Holy See. White is a common colour in our flags, demonstrating purity and peace. Pope Francis signature expresses his wish to have a close connection with the people of this country. The blue stylised Estonian national motif together with the cross expresses the conviction that Christianity was not forced upon people in this region, but is rather a natural and promising part of Estonia s national heritage. The motto of Pope Francis visit to Estonia was found from the opening words of a well-known hymn, Awake, my heart! by Estonian composer Cyrillus Kreek ( ). Estonians are a singing people. Singing is connected to every important occasion in the life of the nation, such as song festivals, the Singing Revolution, and other notable events. What else could express the essence and meaning of Pope Francis visit to Estonia better than song lyrics? However, these words also have very deep meaning and present a reality. Twenty-five years ago, when John Paul II visited Estonia, his main message was, Do not be afraid! Estonia had just recently regained her independence; a new world was founded on the ruins of the Soviet Union. And all over Estonia, people were rediscovering religion and their religious roots. Today, it is necessary for such a world pilgrim as Pope Francis to encourage us with the words, Awake, my heart! And we hope that his words in Estonia touch our hearts and remain in our souls. 12

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15 For Accredited journalists All accredited journalists are welcome to cover the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Estonia. Accreditation to cover Pope Francis visit to Estonia is open from 18 June until 7 September. Journalists, photographers and TV camera crew interested in covering the event should apply on official website: (for media). POOLS: POOL 1: 9:50 Arrival at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (photo podium outside the airport) POOL 2: POOL 3: POOL 4: POOL 5: 10:15 Official welcoming ceremony for His Holiness at the Presidential Palace (press sector outside the palace) 11:00 Reception in the Presidential Rose Garden (press sector in Rose Garden) 11:50 Ecumenical Youth Meeting at St. Charles Church (press sector at church) 16:30 Holy Mass at Freedom Square (three-level press podium for media professionals) POOL 6: Departure from Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (photo podium outside the airport) Note: We would also like media outlets to take into consideration that due to the tight schedule of the visit, it is not possible for one media representative to cover two consecutive events. Formal attire is required for all events! Journalist will need to book accommodation and arrange all logistical issues themselves. The main venues are in the city centre, and it is easier is move around on foot! 15

16 Host broadcaster Estonian Public Broadcasting will broadcast all events related to the papal visit online. Watch at Vatican Media, or For any other questions or concerns, including requests concerning television and radio, archive material, and services offered by ERR to other media, please use the general contacts for Estonian Public Broadcasting: Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) Gonsiori 27, Tallinn, Estonia Andres Arro, chief producer Editorial staff: Dario Cavegn, managing editor or Visit media coordinator: Marge-Marie Paas, spokesperson For more press and media information, please visit or contact Spokesperson of the Roman Catholic Church in Estonia: Marge-Marie Paas, Media Adviser, Foreign Ministry Communication Department: Liisa Toots,

17 Press and Info centres Info centre: One week prior to the Pope s visit, there will be an Information Centre set up at Vene 18, in the courtyard of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which will be open from 17 to 26 September The information desk will be open to answer all questions. Information about the programme and information materials Tickets Maps and tourist brochures Information about briefings Information about the Catholic Church in Estonia Practical information Info centre 17

18 Press Centre 1 (for VAMP): The press centre will be located on the ground floor of the Palace Hotel at Freedom Square, Vabaduse väljak 3. The Press Centre will be open on 25 September 2018 from 10:00 to 19:00 local time. Entry will be restricted to media professionals with a valid accreditation badge. Press Centre 2 (for all accredited journalists): The second press centre for all journalists will be open in Tallinn s Old Town, next to the Catholic Cathedral, Vene 16. The press centre will be open from 22 to 25 September 2018, from 9:00 to 19:00 local time. Entry will be restricted to media professionals with a valid accreditation badge. 18

19 Press centres will hold daily briefings. The schedule will be announced at least 2 hours in advance on the official website. The pre-visit briefing will on 24 September at 12:00 local time, and the final briefing on 26 September at 11:00 local time. For all enquiries regarding technical requirements, please contact in advance (if possible at least one day before the visit): marge.paas@paavsteestis.ee 19

20 Translation and speeches The official speeches of the Pope and the President of Estonia will be distributed beforehand with an EMBARGO for journalists. If, for any reason, you have not received a copy, copies of the speeches will be distributed at the information and press centres. The speeches will be in Italian, English and Estonian. Registration and tickets for main events Tickets to the Papal Mass and the Ecumenical Youth Meeting In order to participate in the Papal Mass and the youth ecumenical meeting, a ticket is required, which can be obtained by registering in advance. To register for the event, please visit the official website of the Papal Visit: People of all faiths are welcome to attend the Papal Mass. Nevertheless, in order to facilitate the celebration of Holy Communion at the Mass, we kindly ask Catholics and non-catholics to register separately. Registration for the meeting with the youth is open for young people aged 15 to 30. The number of tickets for this event is limited and unfortunately, we cannot guarantee participation for all those interested in it. Confirmation of participation will be sent to those who have registered in September. However, Estonian Public Broadcasting will host the youth meeting online, and it can be watched live via Vatican media or on the following websites: or People of all ages may register for the Mass, but each participant (including babies) must have a ticket. 20

21 People in wheelchairs can attend both the Mass and the youth meeting. To accommodate this, we ask people using wheelchairs to enter a special comment in the registration form. Catholics from Estonia (both Estonians and non-estonians) Those Catholics that cannot register online may also register through their congregation. We ask Catholics living in Tallinn to contact either the office of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul or the Pirita Convent; those living outside of Tallinn should contact their parish priests. Those who have already registered themselves through their parish do not need to register again online. Catholics can also register non-catholic family members or non- Catholic friends with themselves. PLEASE NOTE! Those who have registered will receive their tickets via after 17 September. Tickets can be presented either as printouts or electronically. From 17 September, an information centre will be open at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Vene 18, Tallinn), where those who cannot print out tickets elsewhere can do it there. Questions concerning registration and tickets: info@paavsteestis.ee Websites and social media Official website for the Pope s visit: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: #popeinestonia #popefrancis 21

22 TEAM: Bishop Philippe Jourdan, Apostolic Administrator, Estonia Lauri Bambus, State Protocol Department Helle-Helena Puusepp, General Coordinator of Visit , Dr. Marge-Marie Paas, Media Coordinator for Visit, Spokesperson for Roman Catholic Church , Rev. Wodzislaw Szczepanik, Coordinator, Papal Mass Liturgy , Raul Ukareda, Technical producer, Papal Mass , Rev. Pedro Cervio, Coordinator, youth meeting , Lehari Kaustel, Producer, youth meeting , Rev. Igor Gavrilchik, Coordinator, youth meeting , Rev. Severino Pizzanelli, Coordinator, youth meeting , Rev. Alfonso Di Giovanni, Coordinator, beneficiaries meeting , Erik Salumäe, Coordinator, public sector event , Liisa Toots, Media advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Eva Saar, Marketing , Triin Lilleberg, Registration and homepage , 22

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24 9 REASONS TO VISIT ESTONIA CLEAN AND QUIET. Some areas of Estonia are home to just 6.5 people per square kilometre, and it is easy to find quiet, a scarce commodity in other parts of the world. The tap water is safe everywhere to drink. Estonia ranks among the top of Europe for air quality. RICH IN NATURE. Half of the country is covered with forests, about 20% with national parks. There are more than 2000 km of hiking trails, many of them in picturesque bogs. Walk across the dramatic limestone cliffs of northern Estonia or the lake-studded hills of southern Estonia. Yachting and bird watching attractions await visitors along the 3800 km long coastline, with over 2000 islands and beautiful sandy beaches. RICH IN HISTORY. Although the nation is small in size just over a million people worldwide, less than the population of New York s Bronx borough or Beijing s Changping district Estonians have a unique language, different to those of their Baltic friends in Latvia and Lithuania; their own culture; and a centuries-old tradition of university education. 24

25 UNESCO LISTED. Tallinn s mediaeval old town, the lifestyle on the island of Kihnu and its ancient traditions, smoke sauna rituals, song and dance festivals incorporating the world s largest massed choir and dance performance, Seto leelo in southern Estonia fusing song and verbal improvisation you are welcome to experience all of these. RELAXING. Back in the early 19 th century, the Russian imperial family took to spending their summers at Estonian resorts. Whether you are thinking about a few morning laps in the pool, a day on the water slides with the family, or spa treatments using local sea mud, you will find what you are looking for. DELICIOUS. Modern Estonian cuisine is characterised by a fusion of the latest gastronomic trends and old traditions. Small craft breweries, cosy cafes, and home restaurants combined with top Scandinavian restaurants offer seasonal organically grown food and make a trip to Estonia a true culinary adventure. 25

26 INSPIRATIONAL. Estonia is home to more than 200 festivals and major events, covering music, film, art, folklore, and sports. There are more than enough to fill the entire calendar and occupy different venues, including islands, bogs, lakes and open fields. Many events and attractions are designed for children, or are easy to visit with kids. SHORT DISTANCES. No need to choose between city and nature when, thanks to the short distances, you can easily have both. Using the well-developed road network and punctual train and bus connections, it is easy to cross the country in just a few hours, and almost every village has cosy farmstays and inns. EASY TO VISIT. Estonia is a safe destination in a prime location, easy to reach from either Scandinavia or Russia. The capital Tallinn is just a four-hour drive from Riga and five hours from St. Petersburg (an hour by plane). The Finnish capital Helsinki is reachable by ferry in just two hours, with ports in the centre of both cities. Tallinn s Airport is probably the closest airport to any city centre, with regular tram connections to the heart of the capital. 26

27 The Estonia 100 celebrations are in full swing! The Republic of Estonia celebrated its 100th anniversary on February 24, However, no state is born in a day. To mark all the key events leading and following Estonian statehood, the most important jubilee of the country is celebrated for over three years, until February However, the main year of celebrations is the anniversary year The Estonia 100 program stretches across Estonia and beyond, consisting of more than 2600 events and 1300 gifts. You can find them on the Estonia 100 website The extensive program is shaped by the people themselves, offering everyone in Estonia, Estonians abroad and friends of the country many opportunities to come together, feel united and celebrate. Progress and innovation are as important for Estonia as traditions. After all, we are the country of Skype and e-residency. The aim of finding balance and synergy between the old and new, heritage and innovation is our unfolding story and the idea behind Estonia 100 celebrations. At the root of things is the deep connection to our history, at the top is a story of future and possibility through development and new technologies. During the anniversary year, Estonia will bring its culture to more than 30 places around the world. The biggest gift to Estonia for its centenary is your time visit us and experience it all yourself. Everyone is invited and everyone is most welcome. 27

28 Estonia links Scandinavia, Central Europe and what lies to the east Estonia s capital city of Tallinn is the best preserved mediaeval city in Northern Europe Estonians speak Estonian... as well as Russian, English, Finnish and German Estonia is about 50% forest Estonia has a population of just 1.3 million but is larger than Denmark and the Netherlands Estonia has over 2000 islands The Estonian Song Celebration dates back to 1869, attracting tens of thousands of singers every 5 years Today, Arvo Pärt is the most performed living composer in the world, lives in Estonia. He is a member of the papal Culture Commision in Vatican. THE ARVO PÄRT CENTRE WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON 17 OCTOBER

29 For more information, please visit: Emergency Number: 112 Text by: Marge-Marie Paas Translation by: Tiiu Tälli Editor by: Refiner Translations Photos by: L Osservatore Romano, Enterprise Estonia (EAS), Wikimedia, St. Peter and St. Paul Congregation in Tallinn Logo design and style by: Mari-Liis Bassovskaja Layout by: Aili Mittal-Jõgiste

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