Pope Leo recalls victims of Stalinism, Nazism; pays tribute to Blessed Władysław Findysz

August 20, 2026

At the conclusion of his August 19 general audience, Pope Leo XIV recalled the victims of Stalinism and Nazism, paid tribute to Blessed Władysław Findysz (1907-1964), and spoke about the importance of forgiveness and overcoming evil with good.

“On August 23, we celebrate the European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Stalinism and Nazism,” Pope Leo said to Polish pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica. “On that day, in the liturgy, Władysław Findysz, a priest and the first Pole beatified as a martyr of communist persecutions, is commemorated.”

“During the Second Vatican Council he spiritually supported its work, involving the faithful in the ‘Conciliar Work of goodness’ with acts of charity and moral renewal,” the Pope continued. “May his testimony remind us that the civilization of love is built by forgiving and overcoming evil with good.”

These words of Pope Leo were not included in the Vatican’s English translation of his remarks.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza Generale (Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 8/19/26)
• Meet Poland’s first martyr of Communism (Vatican News, 8/19/26)