Papal visit to Lithuania in 2011?

For Lithuania, 2011 will be one of the most eventful years in its recent history since gaining independence from the former Soviet Union. First, Lithuania will take over the rotating chairmanship of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe); afterwards, the capital Vilnius could receive a distinguished visitor from Rome. President Dalia Grybauskaite paid a state visit to the Vatican about two weeks ago and was received by Pope Benedict XVI. Lithuania’s head of state did not leave the seat of the Catholic Church without inviting Pope Benedict XVI to visit Lithuania. The Vatican has announced that it will issue a statement in the coming days on whether—and, if so, when—the papal visit to Lithuania can be added to the Holy See’s already packed calendar.

Date: 30/09/2026

According to reports, the conversation between Pope Benedict XVI and Lithuanian President Grybauskaite in Rome took place in an exceptionally cordial atmosphere. The two sides found much common ground, particularly on dialogue between civilizations and Christian denominations. Lithuania is home to many Catholic and Orthodox Christians, as well as followers of other faiths. Lithuania’s upcoming OSCE chairmanship was another topic discussed at the Vatican, along with the country’s history. Grybauskaite expressly thanked Pope Benedict XVI once again for the Vatican’s refusal to recognize Lithuania’s annexation in the 20th century. She also told the Holy See that Lithuania aims to place greater emphasis on religious tolerance and strengthening the rights of believers in Europe during its OSCE chairmanship.

The trip to Lithuania to Vilnius would be Pope Benedict XVI’s sixth foreign visit in 2011. The Vatican has already confirmed his trips to Croatia, San Marino, Spain, Germany and Benin, most of which are planned for the second half of the year. It may therefore be possible to find an opportunity for the Holy See’s visit to Vilnius as early as spring 2011.

Kai Rebmann