Pope Francis: Martin Luther wanted to 'renew the Church, not divide her'

Pope Francis has told Lutheran pilgrims from Finland that Martin Luther's intention 500 years ago "was to renew the Church, not divide Her".

The Pope was speaking to a delegation of pilgrims led by the Lutheran Archbishop Kari Makinen of Turku. Their annual visit takes place during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

In his address, Pope recalled his visit to Sweden last October marking 500 years since the start of the Reformation, saying it was a "significant step" that "gave us courage" for the ecumenical journey ahead.