By Elin Joensson

STOCKHOLM, Sweden 

Pope Francis described refugees as “people in need of protection” during an historic ecumenical visit to Sweden on Monday.

The pontiff arrived in Lund, southern Sweden to attend a meeting between the Catholic church and the Lutheran World Federation.

Monday's service marked celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and was the first of its kind.

Pope Francis was greeted by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven Monday morning before meeting the Swedish royal family.

Later, the pontiff went to Lund Cathedral for the main reason of his Sweden visit; to attend an ecumenical service as a gesture to unite Lutherans and Catholics.

Fans and others could catch a glimpse of him a couple of hours later at the Malmo Arena where the ecumenical event was held. The arena was packed as the 10,000 tickets on sale for the event had sold out in an hour last month.

Climate change and the refugee crisis were key themes during the night.

“I want to thank all governments who have helped refugees, displaced people and asylum seekers; everything that’s been done for these people in need of protection is a sign of solidarity and recognition of their dignity,” the Pope said at the televised event.

Earlier, the pontiff had tweeted: “Christian unity is a priority, because we realize that much more unites us than separates us.”

The Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo in Syria, Antoine Audo, also spoke at the event. He said he was hopeful the event would bring a future where people could meet, irrespective of which religion they belong to.

“In Syria, three million children stand outside their schools today,” he said.

“Schools and universities are bombed on a daily basis. Together with you, we want to tear down ideological barriers.”