June 4, 2011. (Romereports.com) In 1946, Yugoslavia's communist government convicted the archbishop of Zagreb, named Aloysius Stepinac. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for allegedly collaborating with the Fascists during World War II. 


Ironically though, during the war,  the archbishop had actually denounced the genocide that the Nazi-Fascists were committing against Serbs, Jews and Gypsies.

After the war, Stepinac became a burden for the communist government of Marshall Tito. His bold defense for religious freedom wasn't always welcomed.

He spent five years in prison and nine more years under house arrest. He died of a rare disease, after likely being poisoned in 1960.

John Paul II declared him a martyr. He was never shy about opposing doctrines that suppressed faith and human dignity. For that, he paid with his life.

Benedict XVI will pray at his tomb in the cathedral in Zagreb after meeting with Croatian bishops.


BS/KLH