Icelandic MPs receive blessing from the Pope
“It was an even more powerful experience than I had imagined,” Sverrisdóttir said. Composite image/AFP/Árni Sæberg/Sigurður Bogi
Icelandic Members of Parliament Hildur Sverrisdóttir of the Independence Party and Lilja Rafney Magnúsdóttir of the People's Party were honored with a blessing from Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican today.
They are currently attending a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Rome, where the focus is on matters of faith and religion. Also traveling with them is Arna Gerður Bang, a specialist in international affairs at the Icelandic Parliament, who likewise received the Pope’s blessing.
Arna Bang, Hildur Sverrisdóttir and Lilja Rafney Magnúsdóttir are in Rome. Photo/Hildur Sverrisdóttir
In a conversation with mbl.is , Sverrisdóttir said that the Pope delivered a special address this morning at the Vatican, reminding parliamentarians of their responsibility when it comes to religious matters, as faith can be a force for both good and harm. He then proceeded to bless all those present.
“A profound experience”
“It was an even more powerful experience than I had imagined,” Sverrisdóttir said. “It was also moving to witness the reactions of the Catholic attendees in the room—this was perhaps an even more significant moment for them than for me.”
“I suppose I’m better off than not after receiving the Pope’s blessing,” she added with a smile.
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