Father Max Josef Metzger, a Catholic priest who tirelessly advocated for peace and ecumenical unity, was beatified on 17 November 2024, in Freiburg, Germany. This significant recognition comes 80 years after his execution by the Nazi regime in 1944 for his unwavering commitment to peace and his public criticism of the war.
Metzger’s remarkable journey began as a military chaplain during World War I, where witnessing the horrors of war transformed him into a passionate advocate for peace and reconciliation. In 1917, he developed an “international religious peace program” and submitted it to Pope Benedict XV. His dedication to peace led him to establish the World Peace League of the White Cross and the Peace League of German Catholics in 1919.
As the Nazi regime gained power, Metzger’s ecumenical work intensified, promoting Christian unity through the Una Sancta movement. His conviction that the Church must reconcile with itself to credibly advocate for peace resonated deeply. However, this stance was viewed as treasonous by Nazi authorities, leading to multiple arrests and ultimately, his death sentence in 1943.
Cardinal Kurt Koch, representing Pope Francis, presided over the beatification Mass, emphasizing Metzger’s martyrdom as a powerful testament to the Christian faith. Koch linked Metzger’s legacy to today’s global challenges, underscoring the need for peace and unity in the face of ongoing conflicts.