Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to Blessed Iuliu Hossu, recalling his heroic defense of Jews during WWII and his unwavering faith under Communist persecution.
Newsroom (03/06/2025 07:45, Gaudium Press) Presiding over a commemoration for Blessed Cardinal Iuliu Hossu, the Greek-Catholic Bishop of Cluj-Gherla and martyr for the faith, Pope Leo XIV upheld the Cardinal’s legacy of interfaith solidarity and forgiveness, urging believers to follow his example of hope, courage, and mercy.
The ceremony, held Monday afternoon in the Sistine Chapel, marked the 5th anniversary of the late Pope Francis’ visit to Romania and the beatification liturgy in Blaj’s Freedom Square for seven martyred Greek-Catholic Bishops, including Hossu. The event was organized following an agreement made a year ago with the late Pope at the request of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Romania.
A Martyr’s Enduring Witness
“Today, in a certain sense, he enters this Chapel,” Pope Leo said, referencing Cardinal Hossu, who was secretly named a cardinal (in pectore) by St. Paul VI in 1969 while imprisoned under Romania’s Communist regime. The Pope praised the prelate’s unwavering faith and courage amid persecution.
Addressing attendees—including Greek-Catholic Church representatives, civil authorities, and the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, Hon. Silviu Vexler—the Pope described Hossu as “a symbol of fraternity transcending all ethnic and religious boundaries.”
Righteous Among the Nations
Pope Leo highlighted the ongoing effort to recognize Cardinal Hossu as “Righteous Among the Nations” for his heroic efforts to protect Jews in Northern Transylvania during the Nazi occupation (1940–1944).
“At enormous risk to himself and to the Greek-Catholic Church,” the Pope noted, “Blessed Hossu undertook extensive activities to prevent Jewish deportations.”
Quoting Hossu’s 1944 pastoral letter, Pope Leo echoed his plea:
“Our plea is addressed to all of you… to help the Jews not only with your thoughts, but also with your sacrifice, knowing that there is no act more noble to be carried out today than providing Christian and Romanian assistance, born of ardent human charity.”
The testimony of former Chief Rabbi Moshe Carmilly-Weinberger, who credited Hossu with saving thousands of Jewish lives, was also recalled.
A Prophet of Hope and Forgiveness
Pope Leo hailed Hossu as a “man of dialogue and a prophet of hope,” whose 2019 beatification affirmed his martyrdom and Christian virtue. Citing the Cardinal’s words—“God has sent us into this darkness of suffering in order to offer forgiveness and to pray for the conversion of all”—the Pope emphasized forgiveness as a transformative force.
“These words embody the spirit of the martyrs,” he said, “an unshakeable faith devoid of hatred, coupled with mercy that turns suffering into love for one’s persecutor.”
A Model for Today’s World
Drawing parallels between Hossu’s actions and Nostra Aetate—Vatican II’s declaration on interfaith relations—Pope Leo called the Cardinal a model of “freedom, courage, and generosity, even to the point of making the supreme sacrifice.”
Urging the faithful to embrace Hossu’s motto, “Our Faith is Our Life,” the Pope condemned violence, especially against the vulnerable:
“Let us say ‘No!’ to violence in all its forms, and even more so when it is perpetrated against those who are defenceless and vulnerable, like children and families.”
Concluding with a blessing, Pope Leo expressed hope that Hossu’s witness would remain “a beacon for today’s world.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican news
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