Pope Francis Adds Coptic Orthodox Martyrs to Catholic Liturgical Book of Saints

Pope Francis announced Thursday that the Coptic Orthodox martyrs killed by ISIS in 2015 will be added to the Catholic Church’s official liturgical book of saints. The decision was made in a speech to Pope Tawadros II, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The martyrs, beheaded by ISIS on a beach in Libya on February 15, 2015, will now be recognized in the Roman Martyrology, a list of saints and blesseds used in the Catholic Church’s liturgy.

The Roman Martyrology is organized according to the Church’s calendar of feast days and includes figures recognized for their holiness and martyrdom. Pope Francis expressed gratitude for a relic of the martyrs’ blood, which was presented to him by Tawadros II during their meeting at the Vatican on May 11. The relic symbolizes the shared faith and historical ties between the Catholic and Coptic Orthodox Churches.

In his speech, Pope Francis emphasized the spiritual communion between the two Churches, stating that the martyrs’ prayers, united with those of the Theotokos, will continue to foster friendship. He expressed hope for a future where the Churches can celebrate together at the same altar and commune in the same Body and Blood of the Savior, so that the world may believe.

Pope Tawadros II noted that the Coptic Orthodox Church has long recognized the holiness of the martyrs and celebrates them annually on the 8th of Amshir, which corresponds to February 15 on the Gregorian calendar. He described the gift of relics as a way to honor the martyrs and ensure their memory is preserved in the martyrology of all Churches. The relics, dipped in the martyrs’ blood, serve as a reminder of their unwavering faith and witness to Christ.

The meeting between Pope Francis and Tawadros II concluded with prayer in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Apostolic Palace. The encounter was part of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of a historic meeting between St. Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Catholic and Coptic Orthodox Churches.

The recognition of the Coptic martyrs reflects a growing effort to strengthen unity among Christian communities, even as they remain distinct in doctrine and practice. It underscores the shared commitment to preserving the faith and honoring those who have suffered for it.

Source: Read the original report