Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV recalled Blessed Wincenty Lewoniuk and his 12 companions martyred in Pratulin, Poland.

“Thirty years ago, Saint John Paul II beatified Wincenty Lewoniuk and his 12 Companions, martyrs who defended, to the point of shedding their blood, their belonging to the Catholic Church and their unity with the Successor of Saint Peter, while remaining faithful to their own Eastern tradition”

Martyrs of Pratulin

Blessed Wincenty Lewoniuk and 12 companions were Greek Catholics killed by Russian soldiers in 1874 for refusing to abandon their faith.

Uniate Church

Greek Catholics emerged from Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth after 1596 Union of Brest, retaining Eastern rite while recognizing Pope's authority.

Persecution in 19th Century

Russian authorities pressured Uniates to join Orthodox Church; those who refused faced death or deportation to Siberia.

Martyrs' Sacrifice

On 24 January 1874, they defended their Uniate church in Pratulin as Russian troops opened fire on unarmed men kneeling in snow.

Symbol of Unity

Martyrs symbolize Catholic faith fidelity and Church unity under Pope, calling for persecuted Catholics to find unity.