The Pope of the Vatican; H.H. Pope Francis, announced the Roman Catholic Church’s recognition of the 21 Coptic martyrs in Libya, as martyrs in the Church, indicating that he will make an altar in their name.

After their meeting this morning, H.H. Pope Tawadros II gifted the Pope of the Vatican a box containing parts of the clothes of the 21 Coptic martyrs who were martyred in Libya. Their relics and belongings are preserved in the Cathedral of the Martyrs of Faith in Al-Our village (Diocese of Samalout). This was in addition to three bands with which their hands were tied at the time of their slaughter, whilst they were praying and calling on the name of the Lord Jesus, as captured in the video recording of these moments.

H.H. Pope Francis said: “These Christian men who were baptized with water and the Holy Spirit were also baptized on that day with blood. They are our saints; the saints of all Christians and the saints of all Christian denominations and traditions. They are the ones who whitened their lives with the blood of the Lamb. They are the people of God, the faithful people of God.”

He added: “I will make an altar in their name. I thank God our Father who has given us these brave brothers. I thank the Holy Spirit for giving them the strength and fortitude to confess Jesus Christ until bloodshed.”

This page is also available in: العربية