Born to Become a Priest

In brief

Pope Leo XIV spoke to Polish pilgrims during the General Audience on Wednesday, August 19, about the life of Blessed Władysław Findysz, the first martyr beatified for suffering under communist persecution in Poland. The Pope described Findysz as a model for building a civilization of love through forgiveness and overcoming evil with good.

Findysz was falsely accused of forcing people to participate in religious practices, which led to a sentence of two and a half years in prison. While imprisoned, he faced physical and psychological abuse, and authorities denied him a necessary operation for esophageal cancer. He died several months after his release due to extreme exhaustion.

The Pope presented the life of Findysz as an invitation for priests to remain faithful and dedicated to Christ and their ministry. He also suggested that the Blessed serves as an example for the faithful to trust in God and remain attached to Gospel values.