Pope Approves Beatification of Priests Martyred under Nazism and Communism

Vatican, October 25, 2025: Pope Leo has approved the forthcoming beatification of nine Polish priests martyred at the Dachau and Auschwitz concentration camps, and two diocesan priests killed “out of hatred for the faith” under the Communist regime that ruled Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. The Holy Father also authorised decrees recognising the heroic virtues of four new Venerables: a Spanish Cistercian nun, a Spanish Dominican priest, an Italian diocesan priest, and an Italian Carmelite friar.

During an audience on Friday with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Pope Leo XIV approved the promulgation of decrees concerning the martyrdom of the nine Polish Salesians, killed between 1941 and 1942 in Auschwitz and Dachau, and of the two Czech diocesan priests murdered between 1951 and 1952 during the Communist persecution of the Church after the Second World War.

The Pope also approved decrees recognising the heroic virtues of four Servants of God, now declared Venerable: María Evangelista Quintero Malfaz, a Cistercian nun; Angelo Angioni, a diocesan priest and founder of the Missionary Institute of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; José Merino Andrés, a Dominican priest; and Gioacchino of the Queen of Peace, a Discalced Carmelite friar.

Martyred by the Nazis

The nine Polish Salesians—Jan Świerc, Ignacy Antonowicz, Ignacy Dobiasz, Karol Golda, Franciszek Harazim, Ludwik Mroczek, Włodzimierz Szembek, Kazimierz Wojciechowski, and Franciszek Miśka—were all engaged in pastoral and educational service. Following the German occupation of Poland on 1 September 1939, they became victims of the Nazi regime’s violent campaign against the Catholic Church.

Arrested solely for being priests, they suffered the same hatred directed at the Polish clergy, who were insulted, persecuted, and imprisoned. Within the concentration camps, they offered spiritual consolation to fellow prisoners, remaining steadfast in faith despite humiliation, torture, and brutal treatment. Many were executed or perished under inhuman conditions.

Fully aware that their pastoral ministry was regarded by the Nazis as opposition to the regime, they continued their apostolic mission faithfully, accepting the danger of arrest, deportation, or death with serenity and conviction.

Martyrs under the Communist Regime in Czechoslovakia

Fathers Jan Bula and Václav Drbola of the Diocese of Brno were killed in Jihlava for their faith. Their pastoral zeal made them targets of the Communist regime established in Czechoslovakia in 1948, which initiated severe persecution against the Church.

Arrested on 30 April 1951, Father Bula became the victim of a conspiracy by the state secret police and was falsely accused of inspiring a July 1951 attack in Babice that killed several Communist officials. Tried and sentenced to death, he was executed on 20 May 1952. Father Drbola, deceived into arrest on 17 June 1951 and accused of the same crime, was condemned and executed on 3 August 1951.

Both priests were victims of fabricated trials based on false testimonies. They endured torture and coercion, which led to forced confessions. Despite the hostility, imprisonment, and brutality, they accepted their suffering with faith, surrendering to God’s will. Their letters before execution and the testimony of the priest who heard Father Bula’s confession attest to their steadfast devotion.

The Four New Venerables

María Evangelista Quintero Malfaz (1591–1648) was born in Cigales, Spain. Orphaned young, she entered the Cistercian monastery of Saint Anne in Valladolid, where she lived a life of prayer and mystical grace, recording her experiences under spiritual guidance. Appointed abbess in 1634 at the new monastery in Casarrubios del Monte, she promoted contemplation and prayer. After her death on 27 November 1648, her body was found incorrupt five years later. Her life was marked by profound dialogue with God, humility, and a deep spirit of charity and sacrifice.

Angelo Angioni (1915–2008), born in Bortigali, Sardinia, was ordained in 1938. He served as rector of the diocesan seminary of Ozieri and founded the Missionary Institute of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, comprising clergy, nuns, and laity. As a fidei donum priest, he worked in Brazil, promoting pastoral, educational, and social initiatives, and establishing schools, chapels, and retreat houses. Despite suffering two strokes in later life, he remained devoted to his mission, embodying poverty, humility, and zeal for souls.

José Merino Andrés (1905–1968), born in Madrid, joined the Dominican Order in 1933 and was ordained in 1939. He served in Spain and Mexico, dedicating himself to preaching and missionary work. Returning to Spain, he became master of novices in Palencia, forming over 700 young men between 1950 and 1966. Known for his fervent preaching and devotion to prayer, he demonstrated profound faith, charity, and humility throughout his ministry.

Gioacchino of the Queen of Peace (Leone Ramognino, 1890–1985) was born in Sassello, Italy. A carpenter and First World War veteran, he later dedicated his life to the Church, contributing to youth and parish initiatives. As custodian of the Sanctuary of the Queen of Peace on Mount Beigua, he lived a life of prayer and service. Joining the Discalced Carmelites in 1951, he remained at the sanctuary until his death at 95. Known for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin, kindness, and simplicity, he was affectionately called “Ninu u santu” by the local faithful.

Courtesy: Vatican News