On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the Holy See Press Office released the Holy Father’s message on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the beatification of the Martyrs of Chimbote, Blessed Friars Michał TOMASZEK, and Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI, and Father Alessandro DORDI. This was a gesture of gratitude extended to the Church in Peru, Poland, Italy, and many other places.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the witness of the three priests, two young Conventual Franciscan friars from Poland and a diocesan priest from Italy, who gave their lives in Peru in 1991. The Pope recalled how they brought with them different languages, cultures, and spiritualities, transforming this diversity into a valuable contribution to the mission, united by the same zeal and the same love for people, especially for those most in need.
With words of deep ecclesial meaning, Pope Leo spoke about “the communion that arises when such different stories are brought together by Christ and in Christ.” He pointed to their lives and martyrdom as a call to unity and the mission of the universal Church. The message also expressed particular appreciation for our two Conventual Franciscan friars, whose pastoral and missionary commitment was recognized as an integral part of this living witness to the Gospel.
To read the Pope’s full message, go to: Message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the Occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Beatification of the Martyrs of Chimbote (Peru)
Editorial Staff
