The Salvadoran cross, commissioned by artist Christian Chavarria Ayala for the joint commemoration, was carried in the procession at the beginning of the service. The cross depicts the triune God´s creative, reconciling and sanctifying work. Photo: LWF/M. Renaux
Monday’s prayer service in Lund Cathedral has moved Catholics and Lutherans toward greater cooperation and invited them to rejoice in the gifts that have come to the Church through the Reformation. With the signing of a Joint Statement by Pope Francis and LWF President Bishop Dr Munib Younan, Catholics and Lutherans have been tasked with deepening their communion and common witness. The Joint Commemoration followed 50 years of international dialogue between the two church bodies.
The splendor of Lund Cathedral during the joint commemoration. In the foreground are Kurt Cardinal Koch (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity), Bishop Dr Munib Younan (LWF President), Pope Francis and Rev. Dr Martin Junge (LWF General Secretary). Photo: Mikael Ringlander/Church of Sweden
Candles are lit during the Lund Cathedral service. Choristers wore traditional dress, adding to the richness of the ceremony. Photo: LWF/M. Renaux
Bishop Dr Munib Younan (LWF President), Pope Francis and Rev. Dr Martin Junge (LWF General Secretary) sing a hymn during the Common Prayer. Photo: Mikael Ringlander/Church of Sweden
Choristers from one of the several choirs sing at the Common Prayer. Photo: Mikael Ringlander/Church of Sweden
A woman sings, supported by one of the choirs. Photo LWF/M. Renaux
Children lit five candles, symbolizing five joint commitments by Catholics and Lutherans to grow in communion. Photo: Magnus Aronson/Ikon
Bishop Dr Munib Younan (LWF President) and Pope Francis sign a joint statement calling on Lutheran and Catholic parishes and communities to be bold and creative, joyful and hopeful in their commitment to continue the great journey ahead. Photo: Magnus Aronson/Ikon
Pope Francis and Archbishop Antje Jackelén (Church of Sweden) offer each other the peace of Christ. Photo: Mikael Ringlander/Church of Sweden
Pope Francis, with royal couple King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, leave Lund Cathedral after the Common Prayer service in Lund Cathedral. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
