Beatification for Italian layman who saved Jews
June 17, 2013
Odoardo Focherini (1907-44), an Italian layman who saved more than 100 Jews during World War II, was beatified on June 16 in the northern Italian city of Carpi.
Focherini, an insurance agent, journalist, and father of seven, died in a concentration camp in Hersbruck, Germany.
In 1969, Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, declared Focherini a “Righteous Among the Nations” because of his efforts to save Jews. In May 2012, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the publication of a decree of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints declaring Focherini a martyr.
Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation, presided at the outdoor Mass of beatification.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Angelus: Celebrating the Gospel of Life (Vatican Radio)
- Catholic activist killed for saving Jews set for sainthood (JTA)
- Carpi, Focherini proclamato beato davanti alla folla (Modena Online)
- OdoardoFocherini.it
- Odoardo Focherini (Yad Vashem)
- Vatican declares new martyrs; others advance toward beatification (CWN, 5/10/12)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
