In 1999, John Paul II named several saints as co-patrons of Europe. Among them was St. Bridget of Sweden, a popular saint in the Catholic Church for the "15 Prayers of St. Bridget" that are frequently attributed to her.
John Paul II wrote in his apostolic letter that "St. Bridget brings us to the extreme north of Europe, where the Continent in some way stretches out to unity with the other parts of the world; from there she departed to make Rome her destination."
He further commented on her life of holiness, explaining that the Church recognized her faithfulness to Christ, while not pronouncing any judgment regarding her private revelations.
Furthermore, St. John Paul II explained why he chose her as a co-patron of Europe.
St. Bridget remains a powerful intercessor for all of Europe, but in particular those countries in the North.
