Martyrs
The Latest
Pope condemns beheading of Egyptian Christians, says blood 'cries out to be heard'
Pope Francis mourned the 21 Egyptian Christians beheaded by the Islamic State, calling them martyrs that “belong to all Christians.” Read more
Killed by terrorists, named a martyr: the life of Fr. Alessandro Dordi
On Feb. 3, Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of Father Alessandro Dordi, an Italian priest whose work of evangelization with... Read more
Archbishop Romero's witness a 'slap in the face' to self-centered society
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the postulator of Archbishop Oscar Romero's cause for beatification, said the martyr's life was a chastisement of... Read more
Who are the two Polish priests martyred in Peru?
Two Polish priest killed by a Communist group in Peru were among those recognized as martyrs by Pope Francis on... Read more
Life is cheaper than salt: a Nigerian bishop facing Boko Haram
Bishop Oliver Doeme, who heads the Nigerian diocese which has suffered the most from Boko Haram, has lamented his government's... Read more
The USSR's Catholic martyrs suffered, but they suffered for God
Catholic victims of the Soviet Union’s cruel anti-Christian persecutions faced execution, exile and arbitrary imprisonment for their faith – and... Read more
Iraqis will be seen like early Christian martyrs, priest predicts
An Argentinian priest caring for the Catholic community in Baghdad says the faith of persecuted Iraqi Christians is moving and... Read more
'Asian youth, wake up!' Church needs your witness, Pope says
Addressing thousands of young people from across Asia, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need to “wake up” and spread Christ’s... Read more
Vatican releases itinerary for Pope’s visit to Korea
The Holy See has officially announced what Pope Francis’ schedule will be while in South Korea later this summer, during... Read more
The Church is more than 'a university of religion,' Pope insists
In his daily Mass Pope Francis recounted the death of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, explaining that being a... Read more
Relaunch of English martyrs film brings stories to US audience
“Faith of Our Fathers,” a powerful 2013 film telling stories of the Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation, has been... Read more
Vatican announces logo, motto for papal trip to Korea
The Holy See has released the official motto and logo for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to South Korea, which is... Read more
Reports of Christian martyrdom nearly doubled in 2013
Nearly twice the number of Christians were reported as dying for their faith in 2013 than the previous year, according... Read more
Vietnamese Catholics commemorate 117 martyrs as models of faith
Vietnamese Catholics living in Thailand gathered on Nov. 17 to celebrate the witness of 117 canonized martyrs of their homeland. Read more
Pope lauds courageous choices of modern martyrs
In his daily homily, Pope Francis spoke of the faithfulness of God, highlighting the importance of trusting him with one’s... Read more
Spanish martyrs show victory of love over hate, says bishop
The recent beatification of 522 Spanish martyrs of the 20th century is a testimony to the victory of God’s love,... Read more
Augustinian sisters remembered for martyrdom in Algeria
Two Augustinian missionaries who were martyred in 1994 during the Algerian Civil War are today remembered within their community for... Read more
Romanian martyr hailed as reminder of freedom in Christ
Monsignor Vladimir Ghika, a martyr under the 20th century communist government in Romania, was beatified on Aug. 31, recognized as... Read more
'Month of Martyrs' in Korea draws praise from Pope Francis
Pope Francis sent a message today to South Korea praising the country's decision to proclaim September as the “Month of... Read more
Catholics are called to 'daily martyrdom,' says Pope
During his June 23 Angelus reflection, Pope Francis said the faithful are called to follow the example of the martyrs... Read more
