Skip to content

Unity in Martyrdom

Cardinal Koch on the Ecumenism of Blood

Regarding the contemporary phenomenon of Christian martyrdom, Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, said, “In this present time, all churches have their martyrs. Because the Christian faith is the most persecuted faith in the world today. In this sense, we can talk about an ecumenism of martyrs or an ecumenism of blood, because martyrdom has become ecumenical.”  

The relics of 21 Coptic martyrs killed by ISIS in Libya were venerated in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, February 15, at an ecumenical prayer service marking their first official feast day in the Catholic Church.  

The evening vespers at the Vatican commemorated the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of the 21 Coptic Orthodox men who were beheaded by the Islamic State on a beach in Sirte, Libya, on February 15, 2015.  

Last May, Pope Francis added the 21 Coptic martyrs to the Roman Martyrology, the Church’s official list of Saints, when the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Pope Tawadros II visited Rome.    

The head of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch, presided over the ecumenical prayer in the Choir Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica together with a delegation of the Coptic Orthodox Church.   

Cardinal Koch expressed in his homily the gift of martyrdom for the whole Church, “And this is a tremendous gift, this blood, which the martyrs give for their life, does not divide Christians but unites Christians.”    

A Coptic Orthodox choir provided the music for the liturgy.  

After the prayer service, the Vatican Film Library screened a documentary about the martyrs produced by the Coptic Orthodox Church, which delves into the lives of the martyrs and their families.  

Adapted by Jacob Stein 

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis: There is no option to be passive Catholics when it comes to evangelization

Pope Francis said Wednesday that there is no option to be “passive subjects” when it comes to evangelization

Pope Leo XIV tells Dominican priors to ‘listen attentively to the Holy Spirit’

Pope Leo XIV in a letter this week encouraged the prior provincials of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to “listen attentively to the Holy Spirit, who continues to guide the Church in the fullness of truth.”

Amid Holy Week, Pope Francis points to ‘beautiful testimony’ of fathers who lost daughters

Pope Francis on Wednesday used the example of two men — one Palestinian, one Israeli, both of whom

Lebanon crisis threatens Eastern Catholic participation at Vatican Synod on Synodality

The military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah endangers Lebanon, including its Christians, and may reduce the presence of Eastern Catholic patriarchs from Lebanon at the Synod on Synodality.

Pope Francis Names 21 New Cardinals

Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals from diverse global regions, emphasizing the Church’s universality and commitment to a broader representation within its leadership.

Venice Biennale: The Holy See Pavilion Is A Work Of Restoration Inspired By Laudato Si’

The Holy See will return to the Venice Architecture Biennale, May 10-Nov. 23, showcasing the restoration of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, concerts, and solidarity initiatives, including a soup kitchen.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it