The Vatican has announced the establishment of a new commission called the “Commission for New Martyrs – Witnesses of Faith” within the Dicastery for Saints Causes.
Newsroom (10/07/2023 10:30, Gaudium Press) Pope Francis created the commission in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” The commission’s primary task is to compile a catalog of those who have been martyred for their faith in Christ and bear witness to the Gospel. The Pope emphasized that martyrs are a testament to the hope that stems from faith in Christ, inspiring true charity. He noted that in today’s world, there are more martyrs than in the early centuries of Christianity, including bishops, priests, religious, laypeople, and families who have sacrificed their lives out of love.
Pope Francis referred to a previous ecumenical celebration of the “new martyrs” in the year 2000, where Christians from various churches and ecclesial communities gathered at the Colosseum. He described this as an expression of the “ecumenism of blood,” emphasizing that Christians facing persecution are united by their faith rather than specific denominations or traditions. The Pope announced that a similar celebration will be held for the 2025 Jubilee, seeking to honor those who continue to be killed because of their Christian faith.
The search for new martyrs will not be limited to the Catholic Church but will also include individuals from other Christian denominations who have been martyred for their faith. Pope Francis clarified that the purpose of this initiative is not to establish new criteria for the canonical definition of martyrdom but to continue recognizing those who are killed simply because they are Christians.
This announcement comes after Pope Francis recently incorporated 21 Coptic Orthodox martyrs killed by ISIS into the Catholic Church’s formal martyrology, allowing their veneration within the Catholic tradition. The Vatican is considering other cases in which non-Catholics may be included in the martyrology.
The commission will be led by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for Saints Causes, and its president will be Italian Archbishop Fabio Fabene, the dicastery’s secretary. Notable members include layman Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant’Egidio community, and Sister Nadia Coppa, head of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). Jesuit Father General Father Arturo Sosa will also be part of the commission.
– Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
