US EditionPope Beatifies 11 Priests Killed by Nazi, Communist Regimes
- On Friday, Pope Leo XIV approved the beatification of priests killed by Nazi and Communist regimes in Europe, including Jan Swierc and eight Polish Salesian priests persecuted in Auschwitz and Dachau during 1941–42.
- Targeting of clergy occurred because Vatican News said `Because of their pastoral zeal, both were considered dangerous by the communist regime that had been established in Czechoslovakia in 1948 and which had begun open persecution against the Church.`
- The Vatican named specific victims including Jan Bula and Vaclav Drbola, diocesan priests tortured into false confessions and executed in Jihlava in 1951–52, Vatican News said.
- Under Church rules, beatification makes someone "blessed" after venerable status, and martyr designation allows beatification without a miracle, though canonisation requires one more miracle.
- Conditions in camps led to death or severe abuse, as clergy were mocked, tortured, killed or died from imprisonment, Vatican News said, highlighting a special fury reserved for the Polish clergy.
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45 Articles
Radio France Internationale
France24
Pope Leo XIV authorizes beatification of 20th-century martyrs of Nazism and Communism
Pope Leo XIV has authorized the beatification of two groups of 20th-century martyrs — priests who gave their lives under Nazi and Communist persecution — marking… The post Pope Leo XIV authorizes beatification of 20th-century martyrs of Nazism and Communism appeared first on CatholicVote org.
Our Sunday Visitor
Pope recognizes martyrdom of Polish Salesian, Czech priests
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV formally recognized the martyrdom of nine Polish Salesian priests killed by the Nazis at Auschwitz and Dachau and the martyrdom of two Czech priests executed by the communists in the 1950s. The pope signed the decrees of martyrdom Oct. 24, clearing the way for the beatification of the 11 priests. Polish Salesian case The Polish Salesian case is known as the cause of “Jan Swierc and eight companions.” Father Swie…
catholicworldreport.com
Catholic TelegraphPope Leo XIV approves decrees for 11 martyr saints killed by Nazi Germany, communists
Vatican City, Oct 24, 2025 / 09:44 am Pope Leo XIV on Friday authorized decrees recognizing 11 new martyr saints as well as four new venerables to be honored by the Church. During his Oct. [...]
Pope approves decrees for 11 martyrs killed by Nazi Germany, communists
The sun rises over the main gate with the renowned sign “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work makes you free”) of the Museum of Auschwitz/Birkenau German Nazi concentration and extermination camp on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the camp, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. / Credit: Dominika Zarzycka/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images Vatican City, Oct 24, 2025 / 09:44 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV on Friday authorized decrees recognizing 11 new martyrs as well…
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