In a solemn service held on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV honored the memory of hundreds of Christians who have been killed for their faith in the 21st century. The papal tribute took place at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome and aimed to recognize the increasing number of Christian martyrs worldwide, praising their courage amid persecution. This commemorative event involved the participation of Orthodox patriarchs and Christian ministers from over 30 different denominations, highlighting the universal struggle against religious persecution.
The Vatican has been meticulously documenting incidents of martyrdom among Christians, not for the purpose of sainthood, but to preserve and remember their stories. This collection includes accounts of Christians who have been targeted by Islamic militants, mafia groups, or violent factions in the Amazon who oppose efforts to defend the rainforest and marginalized communities. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the collective burden faced by these martyrs, comparing their suffering to that of Jesus Christ, stating, "Many brothers and sisters, even today, carry the same cross as our Lord on account of their witness to the faith in difficult situations and hostile contexts."
This year's service marks the 25th anniversary of a Jubilee commemoration of martyrs held by St. John Paul II in 2000 at the Colosseum. Pope Leo XIV's remarks included poignant references to individuals such as Sister Dorothy Stang, an American nun who dedicated her life to protecting the Amazon rainforest and advocating for the rights of impoverished settlers. Tragically, she was murdered in 2005 as a result of a conspiracy by local ranchers, symbolizing the sacrifice made by many in the name of faith. "When those who were about to kill her asked her for a weapon, she showed them her Bible and replied, 'This is my only weapon,'" said Leo, highlighting her unwavering commitment to her beliefs.
Pope Leo XIV lamented the ongoing persecution of Christians even after the fall of major dictatorships in the 20th century, noting that the violence against them often now occurs in greater numbers. A study commission established by the Vatican in 2023 reported over 1,500 documented cases of Christian martyrs since the year 2000. This includes the horrific beheading of 21 Coptic Orthodox workers by Islamic militants in Libya in 2015, and ongoing violence against Christians by criminal organizations.
According to Andrea Riccardi, vice president of the Vatican’s study commission, the complete list of names of martyrs will not be released due to security concerns in certain regions. Nevertheless, the commission provided a breakdown of documented incidents: 643 martyrs in sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly victims of Islamic militant attacks; 357 in Asia and Oceania, including victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings in Colombo, Sri Lanka; 304 in the Americas, comprising missionaries and activists targeted for their defense of the Amazon; 277 in the Middle East and North Africa; and 43 in Europe. Notably, 110 Europeans, mostly missionary priests and nuns, were killed elsewhere.
While the commission operates under the Vatican's saint-making office, Riccardi stressed the importance of distinguishing its work from the canonization process, which considers martyrs for potential sainthood. This emphasis underscores the Vatican's ongoing efforts to acknowledge and advocate for the plight of Christians facing persecution globally.
