Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Archbishop of Luxembourg): Dialogue, faith and renewal within a society in transformation
Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg since 2011 and a cardinal since 2019, discusses the evolution of the church in grand duchy, its historical relationship with Rome, and the challenges it faces today.
How has Luxembourg developed a privileged relationship with the Holy See?
The history of Luxembourg’s church is founded in a unique structure – the absence of an ecclesiastical province, instead a direct relationship with Rome. This direct connection has brought an unusual proximity with the Holy See, underlined by the Rome’s formal recognition of the country’s ecclesiastical independence. In the past the territory under the authority of dioceses abroad, from Namur to Metz, before obtaining its autonomy. This unique position entails a continuous dialogue between the government and the Vatican, including on an ongoing basis through ministers that are not part of the CSV. The Holy See shares with Luxembourg a commitment to championing multilateralism and human rights. The relationship was cemented by the Pope's visit to the grand duchy last October. The Luxembourg monarchy also contributed to the establishment of Catholicism in the country: a marriage contract stipulated that daughters would be Catholic and sons Protestant, but when Guillaume IV had only daughters, the monarchy became Catholic. This continuity in the grand duchy’s political and religious history has contributed to the depth of the ties today.
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What impact has modernity had on Luxembourg’s religious life?
The growth of secularisation is reflected in the data – fewer baptisms and a decline in church attendance – but the figures need to be interpreted with care. Many families, particularly of Portuguese origin, celebrate the sacraments abroad, so the statistics do not show a significant part of reality. At the same time, many baptised people do not practise their faith, while others who are not counted are active practitioners. This dual shift obscures assessment of Catholicism in Luxembourg. In some parishes, attendance is declining, but in others it is booming: English-speaking, Portuguese language and Polish communities are filling churches. The English-language mass in Belair is full every Sunday. This vitality demonstrates that faith is finding new forms of expression. The separation of church and state, with the end of public funding, has led to significant changes in the archdiocese's finances. The myth of a wealthy church does not stand up to examination of the figures: growing deficits and reliance on property income to pay salaries. Transparency – the annual publication of accounts – is intended to dispel the myths that date back to a a time when the church's influence, particularly through the CSV and the media, was much stronger.
“Religious renewal is taking shape through a faith explicitly chosen, and no longer inherited.”
What is the future outlook for faith and the position of the church in a pluralist society?
Religious renewal is taking shape through a faith explicitly chosen, and no longer inherited. Young adults, often from diverse backgrounds, are rediscovering an independent, conscience-driven and engaged spirituality reminiscent of the earliest days of Christianity. At the same time, there is growing concern about the neutrality of the state. Young Catholics report being mocked at school, and the lack of a religious culture is becoming glaring – during the Octave, many students do not know who Mary is. This lack of knowledge impoverishes their understanding of European art, literature and music. The role of the Church goes beyond the spiritual realm alone, and contributes to social integration in a country whose population has doubled in the past 55 years. Nevertheless, some people continue to associate the archbishop with an outdated image of omnipotence. Governance today is based on balance and shared responsibilities. Restoring mutual respect and the genuine ability to listen as part of public debate is essential to the preservation of democracy – and in this context, faith remains a reference point and a catalyst for dialogue.