Pope Leo XIV is connected to Spanish Civil War martyrs, with his pectoral cross containing relics of Augustinian martyrs, including Bishop Anselmo Polanco. Bishop Polanco was executed during the war after being arrested and held prisoner. The cross also includes relics of St. Thomas of Villanova and St. Augustine and his mother, St. Monica. Leo XIV visited the Valley of the Fallen in 2003. The articles explore the historical context of the war and the Pope's role.
14 days ago
Pope Leo XIV's pectoral cross contains a relic of Bishop Anselmo Polanco, an Augustinian martyr executed during the Spanish Civil War 1 2. The cross also holds relics of St. Augustine, St. Monica, and St. Thomas of Villanova 1 2.
Anselmo Polanco was born in Palencia, Spain, in 1881 and became an Augustinian 1 2. He was appointed bishop of Teruel in 1935 and chose to remain in his diocese despite the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War and persecution of Catholics 1 2. Polanco was arrested in 1938 and executed by Republican forces in February 1939 1 2. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995, and his remains are interred in the Teruel cathedral 1 2.
In 2003, Father Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) participated in an International Meeting of Augustinian Youth in Spain 1 2. A highlight of the event was a visit to the Valley of the Fallen, a monumental complex built to promote peace and reconciliation after the Spanish Civil War 1 2. He was photographed with a group of young Augustinians at the site 1 2.
The Spanish government's plan to "resignify" the Valley of the Fallen has generated controversy 1 2. The complex, which includes a basilica and the world's largest cross, contains the remains of combatants from both sides of the Civil War, including numerous martyrs 1 2. Alterations to the complex, including modifications to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, have sparked opposition, despite an agreement between the Spanish government and the Holy See 1 2. Cardinal José Cobo is acting as an interlocutor in these discussions 1 2.
The Church teaches on legitimate authority and obedience.
Pope Leo XIV, elected in 2025, is connected to the Spanish Civil War martyrs through the ongoing recognition and honoring of their sacrifice within the Catholic Church . While Pope Leo XIV was not alive during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), his papacy continues the Church's tradition of recognizing and beatifying or canonizing individuals who died for their faith, including those who perished during that conflict .
The Spanish Civil War was a period of intense religious persecution, during which many Catholics were killed for their faith . These individuals are considered martyrs because they died defending their religious beliefs and practices . The Church has been recognizing these martyrs through beatification and canonization processes .
As the current Pope, Leo XIV carries on the work of his predecessors in acknowledging the sacrifice of these martyrs . This includes:
The Spanish Civil War martyrs serve as a reminder of the cost of religious freedom and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs . Their example can inspire Catholics to live their faith more deeply and to defend the rights of all people to practice their religion without fear of persecution .
Pope Leo XIV is connected to the Spanish Civil War martyrs through his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, which continues to honor and recognize those who died for their faith during that conflict . By upholding their example, he reinforces the importance of religious freedom and the call to live out one's faith with courage and conviction .