Copenhagen: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin concluded a two-day visit to Denmark with high-level meetings, including an audience with King Frederik X and discussions with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, as diplomatic tensions over Greenland continue to draw international attention. The visit, from January 24–26, was part of a papal mission commemorating the 1200th anniversary of St. Ansgar’s evangelization of Denmark.
King Frederik X shared a photo of his meeting with Cardinal Parolin on Instagram, though neither the monarch nor Danish government officials disclosed the specifics of their conversation. Similarly, Foreign Minister Rasmussen posted about his discussions with the Cardinal, as well as meetings with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela and Greenlandic representative Tove Søvndahl Gant. According to Rasmussen, they addressed “a number of the world’s current challenges,” reflecting the broad scope of diplomatic and geopolitical issues under consideration.
Cardinal Parolin, representing Pope Leo XIV as his papal legate, also celebrated Mass at Copenhagen Cathedral on Sunday. In his homily, he highlighted the importance of witness rooted in faith rather than power, and cautioned against violations of national sovereignty and the erosion of multilateral cooperation a subtle reflection on the ongoing debates over Greenland’s strategic status.
The visit commemorated the historic mission of St. Ansgar, known as the “Apostle of the North,” who was sent by Emperor Louis the Pious in AD 826 to evangelize Denmark and Sweden during the Viking Age. While paganism remained dominant for decades, St. Ansgar’s mission ultimately laid the foundations for Denmark’s Christianization, which gained momentum after King Harald Bluetooth converted to Christianity over a century later. In a letter marking the anniversary, Pope Leo XIV noted that St. Ansgar, like St. Paul, exemplifies the enduring power of the Gospel through “words and warnings,” inspiring the faithful to proclaim Christ’s message with perseverance.
Cardinal Parolin’s visit comes at a sensitive time. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced the framework of a potential agreement with NATO concerning Greenland, which could involve the establishment of U.S. bases, sparking concerns among Denmark and other European allies. Concrete details of the proposal have yet to be released, leaving Copenhagen and Brussels cautious in their diplomatic posture.
Observers say the Vatican’s engagement in Denmark highlights both the enduring spiritual ties of the Church and its careful role in international diplomacy. By emphasizing faith, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty, Cardinal Parolin’s mission underscored the Vatican’s commitment to promoting peaceful resolution of global challenges while marking a historic moment in Denmark’s Christian heritage.