Pope Leo XIV praises Estonian pilgrims’ ecumenical witness as antidote to hatred, urges peace prayers amid European conflicts during Jubilee in Rome.
Newsroom (24/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV welcomed Estonian pilgrims to Rome for the Jubilee, lauding their ecumenical witness as a powerful antidote to the hatred exemplified by the Soviet regime’s persecution of the Church. In a heartfelt address on Friday, the Holy Father urged the group to “pray fervently for peace” amid ongoing conflicts in Europe, emphasizing the enduring relevance of their unity and faith.
“Your ecumenical witness, which can only grow through setting out on pilgrimage together, is the very antithesis of the hatred that was so tragically visible during the Soviet regime’s persecution of the Church,” Pope Leo declared. He expressed hope that the pilgrims’ visits to Rome’s holy sites would strengthen their faith, enabling them to return home “full of joy” and ready to proclaim the Gospel through simple, daily acts.
Honoring Blessed Eduard Profittlich
The Pope acknowledged the presence of Estonian Lutherans and other non-Catholics among the pilgrims, including those who supported the recent beatification of Blessed Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, SJ (1890–1942). Beatified on September 6 in Tallinn by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Profittlich became Estonia’s first Catholic to receive this honor. Born in Germany, he served as Apostolic Administrator of Estonia and chose to remain with his flock during the Soviet occupation, despite warnings. His steadfast commitment led to his arrest and death in a Soviet prison in 1942.
Pope Leo praised Profittlich’s martyrdom as a model for the pilgrims’ ecumenical unity, noting that their shared journey reflects his legacy of courage and faith in the face of oppression.
A Call for Peace
Highlighting the persistence of “the logic of war” in Europe, the Holy Father urged the pilgrims to dedicate their time in Rome to praying for peace. “I would ask you to pray fervently for peace, especially during the remainder of your time in Rome,” he said, underscoring the urgency of their spiritual mission in a troubled world.
Signs of Hope for Estonia’s Church
The Pope extended a special greeting to two recently ordained priests in the group, calling their vocations “a sign of hope for the Christian community in your land.” He encouraged their example to inspire others to answer God’s call. Reflecting on the growth of Estonia’s Catholic Church, Pope Leo celebrated the elevation of the local Church to a diocese in 2024, a century after its establishment as an Apostolic Administration and nearly 500 years after the ancient See of Tallinn’s dissolution.
“Your presence gives me the opportunity to congratulate you in person,” he said, urging the pilgrims to pray for their bishop and one another to nurture their community’s unity and attract new believers.
A Personal Connection
In a warm gesture, Pope Leo asked the pilgrims to convey his prayers to their families and friends back home. “Tell them that the Pope is praying for them!” he exclaimed, emphasizing his spiritual accompaniment. He concluded by entrusting the group to the Blessed Mother’s intercession and imparting his Apostolic Blessing, expressing hope that the pilgrimage would deepen their bond with the Successor of Saint Peter.
The Estonian pilgrims’ visit underscores the Church’s commitment to ecumenism and peace, reflecting the enduring legacy of Blessed Eduard Profittlich and the vibrant faith of Estonia’s growing Catholic community.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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