Religion in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is known for its cultural and religious diversity. Whether you’re a newcomer or have been living here for several years, understanding the role of religion in Luxembourgish society can help you integrate and make your daily life easier.

Between historical traditions and evolving practices, the country today offers an open environment where everyone can freely practice their religion or express their beliefs.

Freedom of worship in Luxembourg: a protective legal framework

A freedom guaranteed by the Constitution

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg guarantees freedom of worship and religious expression through Article 19 of its Constitution. Everyone is free to practice their religion, individually or collectively, in accordance with the law.

Agreements exist between the Luxembourg government and certain religious communities, defining in particular their official recognition and the terms for funding religious representatives.

A Changing Society: Less Religious Practice, More Spirituality

According to STATEC data (2023), religious practices are changing in Luxembourg:

• 24% of residents say they consider religion important (compared to 42% in 2008)
• 40% mention the existence of a “higher power”
• 15% say they believe in a god
• 48% indicate that they participate in religious worship, predominantly Christian

These figures reflect a trend observed in many European countries: a decline in institutional religious practice, but a continued search for meaning and spirituality.

Religions in Luxembourg: Diversity of Faiths and Practices

Catholicism in Luxembourg

A tradition still very much alive

Luxembourg has historically been a country with a Catholic Christian tradition. This influence is particularly evident in public holidays and local traditions:

• Epiphany (January 6)
• Candlemas (February 2)
• Easter
• Ascension
• Assumption (August 15)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Christmas (December 25)

Pilgrimages and iconic traditions

• The Octave (Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg City)
• The Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima to Wiltz
• The Dancing Procession of Echternach (UNESCO)

While the majority of the population was baptized Catholic, regular church attendance has declined significantly in recent years.

Catholic Churches and Languages of Services

There are churches in every municipality. Masses are often celebrated in Luxembourgish, French, and German, but also in English, Italian, or Portuguese, depending on the parish.

The cathol.lu website lists parishes and Mass schedules.

The European Parish of Luxembourg offers Masses in English at Saint-Alphonse Church.

Protestantism in Luxembourg

Protestantism has approximately 20,000 adherents. Several places of worship exist:

• Trinity Church (Luxembourg City)
• Protestant Parish Center (Clausen)
• Hospital Chapel (Ettelbruck)
• Faber House (Wiltz)

More information at protestant.lu.

Anglican Church

The Anglican community, primarily composed of British residents, has a place of worship at the Konvikt Centre in Luxembourg City.

Information: anglican.lu

Orthodox Churches

Several Orthodox communities are present: Russian, Greek, Romanian, Serbian, and Coptic.

The Russian Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul is located in Luxembourg City. More information at egliserusse.lu and religion.lu.

Other Christian denominations

Other Christian communities are also present: Evangelicals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc., reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.

Islam in Luxembourg

Islam is now the second-largest religion in Luxembourg. The Muslim community comprises approximately 50,000 people (about 6% of the population).

It is organized around several cultural centers and mosques. The Shoura is the official representative body.

Useful information: shoura.lu and islam.lu

Note: A law passed in 2018 prohibits the wearing of face-covering veils in public spaces.

Judaism in Luxembourg

Present since the 13th century, the Jewish community now numbers between 700 and 1,500 members.

The main synagogue is located in Luxembourg City on Avenue Monterey, and there is another significant community in Esch-sur-Alzette.

Information: synagogue.lu and jewish.lu

Buddhism and Other Spiritualities

Buddhism has been growing in Luxembourg since the 1990s. Several centers exist, notably in Howald.

The Dzogchen Shedrup Darje Ling center offers meditation and teaching activities. Information: luxembourg.patrulrinpoche.net

Hindu communities are also present, mainly in Luxembourg City and Howald.

For an overview of religions: religion.lu

Practical information: what you need to know

Religious marriage and legal framework

In Luxembourg, all religious ceremonies must be preceded by a civil marriage.

More information on the process: marriage in Luxembourg

Find a place of worship near you

Thanks to the country’s cultural diversity, it is generally possible to find a place of worship that aligns with your beliefs, often with services in multiple languages.

Feel free to contact your municipality or local associations to help with the process.

Religion and integration in Luxembourg

Beyond religious practice, places of worship often play an important role in the integration of expats. They help build connections, find a community, and sometimes provide support during the early stages of settling in.

Whether you are a practicing believer or simply curious, understanding this aspect of Luxembourg can help you better understand local society and find your bearings.