The Nordic Bishops’ Conference Spring plenary assembly 2026

PRESS RELEASE
The Nordic Bishops’ Conference held its Spring plenary assembly 2026 in Stykkishólmur, Iceland, from 16 to 20 March.

The conference is deeply concerned about and dedicated ample time to discussions on the volatile and unpredictable state of the world. Lending its voice to the words of the Holy Father, the bishops’ conference calls for the immediate laying down of arms and for all world leaders to pursue peace with renewed vigor. Conscious that the world is facing a myriad of wars and armed conflicts, some seemingly always forgotten, but all with terrible and mounting costs, the conference made its own the call of its president to be fearless in pursuit of Christ’s call to peace.

The toll taken by war and conflict is but one of the great threats to human life and dignity. The conference calls on the faithful in the Nordic countries to remain vigilant in defense of life and to strive to advance and fortify political, social, and pastoral efforts to protect the weakest and those with no voice. In this context, the conference has begun work on a pastoral letter on migrants and refugees that will be published before the summer.

Part of the work of the assembly was dedicated to catechetical matters and a meeting with national catechetical directors and collaborators. The conference takes, therefore, this opportunity to expresses its profound gratitude to all catechists, assistants, priests and religious, who work so diligently to transmit the faith in our dioceses. Conscious that the work of evangelization and mission is of the utmost importance, the conference encourages all the faithful to take part in this work, which is intrinsic to the baptismal vocation of all Christians.

The assembly dedicated much time to prayer and devotions, and a pilgrimage was organized to the Marian shrine of Maríulind, south of Stykkishólmur, where Our Lady appeared to St. Gudmund the Good in 1230. This spiritual focus and the customary fraternal and collegial spirit of the conference was highlighted as a concrete expression of that authentic synodality that Pope Leo has encouraged the Church to seek. The conference notes, however, its concern about divisions within the Church and applaud the stress laid on unity by the Holy Father.

The Nordic Bishops’ Conference will gather in Paderborn, Germany from 21 to 25 September 2026 for its Autumn plenary assembly.