During the month of March, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray for those facing martyrdom. The pope began his video message with the story of a woman who was killed for her faith. The woman's husband told the pope the story of how terrorists slit her throat in front of him. He was struck by how this man did not hold a grudge against the murderers because “he focused on his wife's example of love.”
Pope Francis said this story is a reflection of the Church today because there are many unknown or lesser known martyrs. Around the world, Christians are giving their lives for the faith. With this prayer intention, the pope invites us to hear these stories and learn from their “missionary zeal.”