Japanese martyrs

The Latest

Cardinal Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda of Osaka, Japan.

Catholic Church reportedly closer to getting its first samurai saint

Dec 23, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

The Vatican is currently investigating miracles associated with the intercession of Blessed Justus Ukon Takayama. Read more

Oura Church in Nagasaki, Japan.

Catholicism and martyrdom in Japan: Church marks 400 years since Edo massacre

Dec 17, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

The small but devout Catholic community in Japan is built upon the witness of untold numbers of martyrs. Read more

The Seto Inland Sea is the body of water separating Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū, three of the four main islands of Japan.

Pope Francis merges two dioceses in Japan

Aug 16, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Thomas Aquino Manyo Maeda was named on Aug. 15 as the first archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Osaka-Takamatsu. Read more

Pope Francis at the Nagasaki Martyrs’ Monument on Nishizaka Hill Nov. 24, 2019.

Pope Francis honors heroism of Japanese martyrs of Nagasaki

Nov 23, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis Sunday honored the many martyrs who died in Japan during two centuries of persecution, encouraging Catholics in the... Read more