Addressing participants at the Vatican during the conference “21st Century: A New Age of Martyrs?”, Pope Leo XIV commended contemporary Christian martyrs as “stars shining in the darkness of selfishness and oppression.” The event, organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and its Commission for New Martyrs – Witnesses of the Faith, brought together experts and witnesses at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum to reflect on modern martyrdom across diverse global contexts.
The Holy Father highlighted the distinct educational and historical role of the Commission, established by Pope Francis in 2023. Unlike traditional canonical processes aimed at beatification or canonization, the Commission focuses on gathering testimonies of individuals who gave their lives for the Gospel regardless of formal juridical proceedings. This framework expands recognition to “new witnesses of the faith,” embracing complex situations where victims were targeted by criminal networks or abusive regimes for opposing injustice, even if the persecutors’ motives were not explicitly labeled as hatred of the faith.
Pope Leo emphasized that modern martyrdom offers a stark counterweight to a global culture dominated by power, force, and weaponization. He noted that these witnesses demonstrate a faith rooted in daily coherence rather than ideology, disarming confrontation through meekness and silent heroism. By sacrificing their lives for justice, truth, peace, and freedom, these modern witnesses help the Church reflect Christ’s light and guide humanity toward a civilization of love.