Questions and answers about Pope Francis’ visit to Sweden

In this photo taken on Oct. 13, 2016, Pope Francis passes by a statue portraying Martin Luther as he arrives for an audience with Lutheran pilgrims at the Vatican. Pope Francis travels to Sweden next week to commemorate the split in Western Christianity 500 years ago. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) In this photo taken on Oct. 13, 2016, Pope Francis passes by a statue portraying Martin Luther as he arrives for an audience with Lutheran pilgrims at the Vatican. Pope Francis travels to Sweden next week to commemorate the split in Western Christianity 500 years ago. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

By Associated Press October 30, 2016 5 min read

STOCKHOLM (AP) – Pope Francis is traveling to Sweden to join Lutheran leaders for a joint commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

The anniversary of monk Martin Luther’s challenge to Catholic dogma may not seem like an event to celebrate from the Vatican’s perspective, but Francis’ participation is part of the Vatican’s wider efforts to mend ties with other Christians.

For history’s first Jesuit pope, the visit is particularly significant given the Jesuits were founded to defend the Catholic faith from Protestant reformers.

Here are some questions and answers about the pope’s visit:

Q: WHAT WAS THE REFORMATION?