He Pope Leo XIV He addressed a message to the Catholic community Peru on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Beatification of the Martyrs of Chimbote.
The priests Michael Tomaszek, Zbigniew Strzałkowski And Alessandro Dordi were murdered in 1991 during their pastoral work in the region AncashVictim of a violent context related to the terrorist group Shining path. This papal letter covers: Poland, Italy and other communities where the memory of the martyrs is still alive.
The Pope recalled how the three priests shared and celebrated their lives with local communities EucharistAdministration of the sacraments and organization of solidarity actions.
They remained with their believers even in the midst of danger and lost their lives under accusations of “hatred of the faith.” The institutional message points out that the martyrs’ different origins – two Polish Franciscan monks and an Italian diocesan priest – became a strength for their common mission Pariacott and in the region Santa Claus. The legacy of his commitment remains a symbol of unity and service in the country and in the universal Church.
The Martyrs of Chimbote Not only do they represent the testimony of a dedicated life, but they also embody the community that arises through the sharing of different charisms and cultures.
According to the message from Leo XIVthe blood of the martyrs was not shed for personal aspirations, but as part of an act of love for the people and their faith.
He emphasized that “the Lord is able to unite what our human logic tends to divide,” and presented the story of the Blesseds as an invitation to overcome divisions at the ecclesial and social levels.
The life of Michael Tomaszek And Zbigniew Strzałkowski It took place in the Andean town of Pariacoto, in the Áncash region, where they carried out evangelization and accompaniment work in contexts of material scarcity.
The Italian priest Alessandro Dordia member of the Diocese of Bergamo, dedicated his service as a missionary fidei donum in Santa Claus. The circumstances of his murder, combined with the religious persecution at the time, reinforced his example as an “incentive to loyalty” for several generations.
In the letter, Leo XIV not only that calls Chimbote Churchbut also to believers of Poland, Italy and from other countries to renew openness to proclaiming the Gospel and serving others.
The Pope encourages new generations to follow God’s call, whether in the priesthood, consecrated life or international mission, where pastoral challenges continue. It encourages them to continue the work of the martyrs and to “proclaim Jesus with words and deeds” and to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
The papal message ends by inspiring young priests to consider sending missionaries and inspiring bishops to support apostolic zeal in the churches most in need. The tenth anniversary of the beatification of the Martyrs of Chimbote, said the Pope, renews hope and strengthens the commitment of the Catholic Church in Peru and around the world.