Saint Eric's Cathedral, Stockholm

Saint Eric's Cathedral, located in the Södermalm district of Stockholm, is a prominent Catholic cathedral with a rich history and significant cultural and religious importance. Originally constructed in 1892, the cathedral stands as one of the most important 19th-century Roman Catholic churches in the city. The cathedral was elevated to its current status in 1953, coinciding with the creation of the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm, which remains the only Catholic diocese in Sweden.

The cathedral is named after Saint Eric, a 12th-century king of Sweden who was martyred and later canonized as the patron saint of both Stockholm and Sweden. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of the cathedral and the city, as he is depicted in the seal and coat of arms of Stockholm.

Following World War II, there was a substantial increase in the Catholic population of Stockholm, largely due to immigration. This growth necessitated the expansion of the cathedral, which was designed by architects Hans Westman and Ylva Lenormand and completed in 1983. The expansion was particularly notable as it coincided with the 200th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Catholic Church in Sweden after a long period of Lutheran dominance.

Saint Eric's Cathedral is known for its international congregation, reflecting the diverse population of Stockholm. Masses are celebrated in multiple languages, including Swedish, Latin, Italian, Croatian, Spanish, and Polish. The cathedral also offers special services, such as Latin Mass on the fourth Saturday of every month, adhering to the pre-1962 liturgical traditions. Rosary devotions are performed after Saturday Mass, and weekday masses are held in Swedish.