Pope Leo XIV Approves Beatification of 11 Priests Martyred by Nazi, Communist Regimes

Pope Leo XIV has authorized the beatification of 11 priests who were martyred during the 20th century under Nazi and Communist regimes. Nine of these priests were Polish Salesians killed between 1941 and 1942 in Auschwitz and Dachau concentration camps for their Catholic faith, enduring torture and execution. Additionally, two diocesan priests from former Czechoslovakia, Jan Bula and Václav Drbola, were executed between 1951 and 1952 by the Communist regime, accused falsely and tortured into confessions. The beatifications highlight their steadfast faith and pastoral zeal despite brutal persecution, serving as powerful examples for contemporary believers. Alongside these martyrs, the Pope also recognized four new venerables from Europe in acknowledgment of their heroic virtues. This announcement marks a significant chapter in the Church's remembrance of modern witnesses to faith under oppressive regimes.