In light of the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, Pope Francis announced the establishment of a new Commission with the goal of recognizing Christians who have died for the faith. The Commission's objective began over 2 decades ago with Pope St. John Paul II.
ABP. FABIO FABENE
Secretary, Dicastery for the Causes of Saints
We are continuing the work that was already done in the Jubilee of 2000. Basically this committee has to make a list of witnesses to the faith from our time. Martyrs for the faith from 2000 to today, until the next Jubilee.
Archbishop Fabene says the Commission will not create new criteria to identify martyrs. Rather it's goal is to highlight the numerous witnesses to the Christian faith around the world.
ABP. FABIO FABENE
Secretary, Dicastery for the Causes of Saints
I would like to say that there are so many true martyrs in the Church today, in our time.
The Pope remembers that. He also often recalls that there are more martyrs in today's Church than in the early Church.
What makes this Commission unique is that it is working with churches of other Christian faiths, emphasizing the idea of ecumenism through martyrdom.
ABP. FABIO FABENE
Secretary, Dicastery for the Causes of Saints
There are witnesses of the faith and new martyrs in all denominations. It is what the Pope calls the ecumenism of blood, that is, through the witness of faith, through martyrdom the Church is already united. The Church is already one. Precisely by virtue of the witness of our Christian brothers and sisters.
Archbishop Fabene says during the Jubilee Year of 2025, there will be a celebrataion for the new martyrs to commemorate the men and women who died for their faith from all Christian denominations.
KG
