Church Documents 304 Martyrs in Latin America Murdered This Century
Discover the Vatican's survey of 304 martyrs in Latin America killed for confronting organized crime and protecting the environment.
TL;DR
- 304 martyrs documented in Latin America since the 21st century.
- Victims often targeted by organized crime, illegal exploitation of nature, and illegal resource extraction.
- Martyrdom is linked to resisting drug trafficking, opposing deforestation, and protecting indigenous lands.
- Includes missionaries and laypeople living an 'ordinary Christian life'.
- The Commission for the New Martyrs, re-established by Pope Francis, documents these cases.
- Global registry exceeds 1,700 cases since 2000, with 100-150 new reports added annually.
- A conference in Rome discussed if the 21st century marks a new era of martyrs.