Vatican City: Pope Francis has authorized the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, a German-born Jesuit who served in Estonia and was martyred in the Soviet Union in 1942.

During an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, on Wednesday, Pope Francis approved the promulgation of decrees concerning the causes of 21 men and women. Among these, the Pope formally recognized the martyrdom of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, SJ, clearing the way for his beatification.

Archbishop Profittlich, who served as the Apostolic Administrator of Estonia from 1931 until his death in 1942, was arrested by Soviet authorities following their invasion of Estonia. He was deported to a Siberian prison and sentenced to death. However, he died from exposure in Kirov prison on February 22, 1942, before his sentence could be executed.

Bishop Philippe Jourdan, the Bishop of Tallinn, expressed his joy at the Pope’s approval, especially as the local Church is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Apostolic Administration of Estonia in 1924. He noted that this event is significant for the Church in Estonia, as Archbishop Profittlich will be the first Blessed in the country’s history.

“This is very important for the local Church,” said Bishop Jourdan, “because the mission of the Church is to help people achieve salvation and holiness.” Having a Blessed from Estonia, he added, makes the Christian mission of holiness more tangible and accessible, showing people that sainthood is within reach.

This announcement comes just three months after Pope Francis elevated the Apostolic Administration of Estonia to the status of the Diocese of Tallinn. Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Bishop Jourdan likened Archbishop Profittlich to Moses, noting that he “wanted to see the Promised Land but could not witness it with his own eyes.”

Despite Estonia’s small Catholic community, Bishop Jourdan emphasized that this beatification will bring the Church in Estonia closer to its heart. “Even in difficult times,” he said, “this is wonderful news for Catholics in Russia, as the Archdiocese of Moscow began the beatification process for Archbishop Profittlich 21 years ago.”