Rome: The Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome became a focal point for interdenominational reflection on the evening of September 14, as Pope Leo XIV presided over the Commemoration of Martyrs and Witnesses of the Faith in the 21st Century. Representatives from various Christian denominations and communities gathered to honour the lives of martyrs whose courage and hope were rooted not in violence, but in the enduring principles of the Gospel.
Opening the commemoration, Pope Leo highlighted the significance of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, transforming the image of the cross from a symbol of suffering to a beacon of salvation, hope, and glory for martyrs. In his homily, the Pope emphasized that even in a world seemingly saturated with hatred, the steadfast faith of martyrs demonstrates that love is stronger than death.
Welcoming members of Orthodox, Ancient Eastern, and other Christian communities, Pope Leo drew upon Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Ut Unum Sint, noting that “martyria unto death” represents the truest communion with Christ. He reminded the faithful that countless men and women continue to carry their crosses today, enduring persecution, condemnation, and even death, yet remaining steadfast in their commitment to justice, unity, and the Gospel.
The Pope recounted inspiring examples, including Sister Dorothy Stang, who confronted her attackers in the Amazon with a Bible rather than a weapon, and Fr. Ragheed Ganni, a Chaldean priest from Mosul, who chose nonviolence even in the face of imminent death. Similarly, Brother Francis Tofi, of the Melanesian Brotherhood in the Solomon Islands, sacrificed his life for peace. These witnesses exemplify what the Pope called “an unarmed hope”, demonstrating that the power of faith surpasses the tools of violence.
Pope Leo stressed that martyrs’ sacrifices are not in vain. While worldly standards may consider them defeated, scripture affirms that their hope is immortal. He urged Christians to remember and honour these testimonies, noting that through their martyrdom, the Gospel continues to spread and proclaim victory over evil. The Catholic Church, he added, remains committed to safeguarding the memory of these martyrs through the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.
In a message of ecumenical solidarity, the Pope stated, “the ecumenism of blood unites Christians of different backgrounds who together give their lives for faith in Jesus Christ. Their martyrdom speaks louder than words; unity comes from the Cross of the Lord.” He also recalled the story of Abish Masih, a young Pakistani child killed in an attack on a Catholic Church, whose final written words “Making the world a better place” serve as a call to courageously witness to faith and foster a peaceful, fraternal humanity.
The commemoration concluded with a reaffirmation that remembering the martyrs is not merely an act of reflection, but a commitment to carry forward their legacy of faith, hope, and unity across Christian communities worldwide.