Originally published at National Catholic Register
OSLO, NORWAY — On Nov. 1, the Holy See announced the appointment of Msgr. Fredrik Hansen as coadjutor bishop of Oslo. This new chapter marks another stage in his journey, shaped by years of serving the Church in diverse roles across the world.
Ordained a priest in 2007, the Norwegian priest, 45, was sent to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy to train for the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 2011.
“When I was sent to Rome to study canon law, the plan was for me to come home and work in our marriage tribunal after graduation,” Msgr. Hansen told the Register. “But the Church had other plans.”
Long Journey Home
After earning his doctorate in canon law, with a dissertation on the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop, Msgr. Hansen began his first diplomatic mission in 2013, serving at the Apostolic Nunciature in Honduras. One of the main roles of the nunciature is to serve as an intermediary between the local Church and the Apostolic See.
“To this day I carry Honduras with me,” he shared. “When I arrived in 2013, it was ranked as the most violent country in the world, being heavily impacted by drug wars. But the
