Coptic Martyrs

The Latest

Icon of the 21 Martyrs of Libya.

Vatican hosts veneration of relics of 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya on first feast day

Feb 15, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The relics of 21 Coptic martyrs killed by ISIS in Libya will be venerated in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday... Read more

Pope Francis receives relics of the Coptic martyrs from Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, May 11, 2023. Pope Francis also announced that the 21 men will be added to the Church’s official list of saints.

Pope Francis adds Coptic Orthodox martyrs to liturgical book of saints

May 11, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

After receiving relics of the Coptic martyrs beheaded by ISIS, Pope Francis announced the 21 men will be added to... Read more

Icon of the 21 Martyrs of Libya. Image courtesy of Tony Rezk, via tonyrezk.blogspot.com

Pope Francis: Blood of martyrs slain by ISIS ‘a seed that will bear rich fruit’

May 20, 2021

The pope praises the 21 Coptic martyrs killed on Feb. 15, 2015. Read more

Martin Mosebach in Rome.

For families of 21 Copts killed by ISIS, martyrdom is ‘Fifth Gospel’

Mar 19, 2019

By Courtney Mares

The author of a newly translated book has spoken of the “extraordinary” willingness of the Coptic Martyrs to “bear witness... Read more

Stock photo via Shutterstock

Aid agencies highlight Christian persecution on anniversary of 'Coptic Martyrs'

Feb 15, 2019

By Jonah McKeown

Four years after the so-called Islamic State released a propaganda video showing the beheading of 21 abducted Coptic Christians in... Read more

Martin Mosebach in Rome.

'Do you stand by what you believe?'- Mosebach on ISIS killings

Mar 3, 2018

Martin Mosebach is the author of “The 21: A Journey into the Land of the Coptic Martyrs.” Read more