What Is the Significance of the Archdiocese of Colombo’s Initiative to Canonize the Victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attack?

Brief Overview

• The Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is pursuing canonization for the 167 Catholic victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, recognizing them as martyrs of faith.
• On April 21, 2024, a petition with over 50,000 signatures was submitted to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to initiate the process.
• The attacks, carried out by Islamist extremists, killed 269 people, including 167 Catholics attending Mass at St. Sebastian’s and St. Anthony’s churches.
• Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, emphasizes that the victims died for their faith, justifying their recognition as martyrs.
• The Vatican has included these 167 Catholics in the “Witnesses of Faith” list for the 2025 Jubilee Year, honoring their sacrifice.
• The canonization process reflects the Church’s commitment to acknowledging modern martyrs and seeking justice for the attacks.

Detailed Response

Background of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks

On April 21, 2019, Sri Lanka experienced a devastating series of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting three churches—two Catholic and one evangelical—and three luxury hotels, resulting in 269 deaths and over 500 injuries. Among the victims, 167 were Catholics attending Easter Sunday Mass at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo and St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo. The attacks were perpetrated by nine suicide bombers affiliated with the National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ), a local Islamist extremist group with ties to the Islamic State. The bombings marked one of the deadliest attacks on South Asian Christians in recent history, deeply shaking the nation’s Christian community, which constitutes approximately 6.1% of Sri Lanka’s population. The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has since advocated for justice and transparency. The government’s response has faced criticism for failing to act on prior intelligence warnings and for alleged cover-ups involving state officials. The attacks occurred during a period of relative peace following the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, making the violence particularly shocking. The Catholic community’s grief was compounded by the lack of accountability, prompting calls for international investigations. The Archdiocese of Colombo has framed the victims’ deaths as acts of martyrdom, given their participation in a sacred liturgy at the time of the attacks. This tragedy set the stage for the Church’s initiative to seek formal recognition of the victims’ sacrifice.

The Archdiocese’s Canonization Initiative

The Archdiocese of Colombo announced its intention to pursue canonization for the 167 Catholic victims, seeking to declare them “martyrs of faith.” Father Joy Indika Perera, a representative of Cardinal Ranjith, confirmed that a petition was submitted to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on April 21, 2024, exactly five years after the attacks, as required by Church regulations for opening a canonization cause. The petition was supported by over 50,000 signatures collected during Lent 2024, reflecting widespread community support. Cardinal Ranjith has emphasized that the victims died while practicing their faith, attending Mass to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. This act of worship, he argues, constitutes a profound witness to their faith, meriting recognition as martyrs. The initiative aligns with the Church’s tradition of honoring those who die for their faith, as seen in historical examples like the 22 Ugandan martyrs canonized in 1964. The Archdiocese’s efforts also aim to preserve the memory of the victims as “heroes of faith,” inspiring future generations. The process involves a diocesan phase to gather testimonies and evidence, which will be forwarded to the Vatican for further review. The initiative has garnered interfaith support, with Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic leaders attending a memorial vigil at St. Anthony’s Church. The pursuit of canonization reflects both a spiritual and communal response to the tragedy.

The Role of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints

The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints oversees the canonization process, evaluating petitions to determine whether individuals qualify as martyrs or saints. The Archdiocese’s petition requests that the 167 Catholic victims be recognized as “Servants of God,” the first step toward beatification and eventual canonization. According to Church law, a five-year waiting period after death is required before a cause can be opened, which is why the petition was submitted in 2024. The Dicastery assesses whether the victims died in odium fidei (in hatred of the faith), a key criterion for martyrdom. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery, has already included the 167 victims on the “Witnesses of Faith” list for the 2025 Jubilee Year, acknowledging their heroism. This list, established by Pope Francis in 2023, catalogs modern martyrs who died professing their faith. The diocesan phase, if approved, will involve collecting evidence of the victims’ faith and the circumstances of their deaths. Testimonies will focus on their participation in Easter Mass as an act of devotion. The Dicastery’s rigorous process ensures that only those whose deaths clearly reflect martyrdom are advanced. The inclusion of the victims on the Witnesses of Faith list is a significant step, signaling Vatican support for the cause.

Theological Basis for Martyrdom

In Catholic theology, a martyr is someone who dies for their faith, willingly accepting death rather than renouncing their belief in Christ. The Easter Sunday victims are considered martyrs because they were targeted specifically for their Christian faith during a sacred liturgy. John 15:13 states, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” which the Church interprets as encompassing those who die for their faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that martyrdom is the supreme witness to the truth of the faith (CCC 2473). Cardinal Ranjith argues that the victims’ presence at Mass, celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, constitutes an act of faith that led to their deaths. Unlike canonization for non-martyrs, which requires verified miracles, martyrs can be beatified without a miracle if their death in odium fidei is established. The victims’ deaths during Easter Mass, a central act of Catholic worship, strengthen the case for their martyrdom. The Church’s tradition of honoring martyrs dates back to early Christianity, with figures like St. Stephen, whose death is recorded in Acts 7:54-60. The Sri Lankan victims’ inclusion on the Witnesses of Faith list aligns with this tradition, recognizing their sacrifice as a testament to their faith. The theological framework supports the Archdiocese’s initiative, grounding it in centuries of Church teaching.

Cardinal Ranjith’s Leadership

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo since 2009, has been a pivotal figure in advocating for the victims’ recognition and for justice. His conviction that the victims died for their faith drives the canonization effort. He has articulated that their participation in Easter Mass, a voluntary act of worship, qualifies them as martyrs. Beyond the spiritual dimension, Ranjith has been a vocal critic of the Sri Lankan government’s handling of the attacks, accusing authorities of concealing information about the perpetrators. His leadership prevented potential anti-Muslim violence in the aftermath by fostering interfaith dialogue, meeting with Muslim leaders to ensure peace. Ranjith’s dual focus on canonization and justice reflects his commitment to both the spiritual and temporal needs of his community. He has called for international investigations, citing evidence of state officials’ involvement in enabling the attacks. His presence at a Vatican conclave in 2025 underscored his global influence in advancing the victims’ cause. Ranjith’s efforts have galvanized the Catholic community, fostering unity and resilience. His leadership exemplifies the Church’s role as both a spiritual and moral authority in times of crisis.

The Witnesses of Faith List

In 2023, Pope Francis established the Commission of the New Martyrs – Witnesses of Faith to catalog Catholics who died for their faith in the 21st century. The 167 Sri Lankan victims were added to this list in 2025, as announced by Cardinal Ranjith during a memorial vigil. The list, compiled by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, is part of the 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations, highlighting modern martyrs as “witnesses of the hope that comes from faith in Christ.” Inclusion on this list is a significant step, though it does not equate to formal beatification or canonization. It serves to honor the victims’ sacrifice and keep their memory alive within the universal Church. The list draws inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter, which sought to preserve the legacy of “unknown soldiers of God’s great cause.” The Sri Lankan victims’ inclusion reflects their deaths’ alignment with the Church’s understanding of martyrdom. The list also includes other modern martyrs, such as the 21 Coptic Christians killed by ISIS in Libya in 2015. The Witnesses of Faith initiative underscores the Church’s commitment to recognizing contemporary sacrifices. The Sri Lankan victims’ inclusion strengthens the case for their eventual canonization.

The Path to Canonization

The canonization process in the Catholic Church is a meticulous procedure involving several stages. It begins with the diocesan phase, where the Archdiocese of Colombo will collect testimonies, documents, and evidence about the victims’ lives and deaths. The petition submitted on April 21, 2024, marks the formal request to open this phase. If the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints approves, the victims will be declared “Servants of God.” The next step, beatification, requires evidence of martyrdom, which in this case hinges on the victims’ deaths in odium fidei. Unlike non-martyrs, martyrs do not require a verified miracle for beatification, though canonization typically requires one. The diocesan phase will involve interviews with survivors, families, and witnesses to establish the context of the victims’ faith. The evidence will be compiled into a positio, a document submitted to the Vatican for review. The process is rigorous, ensuring that only those who meet the Church’s criteria are advanced. The Archdiocese’s efforts reflect a commitment to honoring the victims through a thorough and faithful process.

Justice and Accountability

The pursuit of canonization is closely tied to the Catholic community’s demand for justice. Investigations into the 2019 attacks revealed that Sri Lankan authorities had prior intelligence warnings but failed to act, leading to accusations of negligence. A 2023 Channel 4 investigation alleged that the attacks were enabled by state officials to create insecurity, benefiting certain political figures, including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka held former President Maithripala Sirisena accountable, ordering him to pay compensation to victims’ families. Cardinal Ranjith has consistently called for an independent international investigation, citing evidence of a cover-up. The Church’s advocacy extends beyond spiritual recognition, seeking truth and accountability for the victims. Pope Francis, in April 2022, urged the government to clarify responsibility for the attacks to bring peace to the nation. The lack of criminal convictions as of 2023 has fueled public frustration, particularly among Sri Lanka’s Christian minority. The new government, elected in 2024, has pledged a thorough inquiry, offering hope for progress. The canonization initiative thus serves as both a spiritual and moral response to the tragedy.

Interfaith Solidarity

The Easter Sunday attacks targeted Sri Lanka’s Christian community, but the response has fostered interfaith solidarity. Cardinal Ranjith’s meetings with Muslim leaders in 2019 prevented retaliatory violence, preserving peace in a country with a history of ethnic and religious tensions. The 2025 memorial vigil at St. Anthony’s Church was attended by Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic leaders, reflecting shared grief and unity. This interfaith support strengthens the canonization initiative, demonstrating the victims’ sacrifice as a unifying force. The Church’s efforts to honor the victims have resonated across religious boundaries, emphasizing shared values of justice and compassion. The attacks, intended to sow division, instead prompted collaboration among faith communities. Cardinal Ranjith’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting dialogue, ensuring that the tragedy does not fuel further conflict. The interfaith presence at commemorative events underscores the universal significance of the victims’ witness. The canonization process, while Catholic in focus, carries broader implications for reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The Church’s commitment to peace complements its pursuit of spiritual recognition for the victims.

The Victims’ Legacy

The 167 Catholic victims, ranging from children to the elderly, are remembered as “heroes of faith” whose deaths testify to their devotion. Their presence at Easter Mass, celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, underscores their commitment to their faith. Stories like that of Ramesh Raju, who died preventing a bomber from entering Zion Church, highlight individual acts of heroism. The blood-splattered statue of Jesus at St. Sebastian’s Church has become a powerful symbol of their sacrifice. The victims’ legacy inspires Sri Lankan Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution. Their inclusion on the Witnesses of Faith list ensures their memory endures within the global Church. The canonization process seeks to formalize their status as martyrs, offering a model of courage for future generations. Families of the victims, while grieving, find hope in the Church’s recognition of their loved ones’ sacrifice. The initiative also serves as a call to live out the faith with conviction, as the victims did. Their legacy is both a spiritual and communal testament to resilience.

Historical Context of Martyrdom in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Catholic community has a history of enduring persecution, dating back to the colonial era under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. The canonization of St. Joseph Vaz in 2015, a missionary who faced persecution in the 17th century, reflects this legacy. The 2019 attacks are a modern continuation of this history, targeting Christians during a sacred feast. Archaeological evidence, such as 5th-century Persian crosses found in Anuradhapura, indicates the early presence of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The Easter Sunday victims join a lineage of martyrs who have shaped the Church’s identity in the region. Their deaths echo those of early Christian martyrs, such as St. Stephen, who faced violence for their faith. The Church’s response, through canonization, places the victims within this historical continuum. The initiative also draws parallels with other modern martyrs, such as the 21 Coptic Christians killed in Libya. Sri Lanka’s Catholic history provides a backdrop for understanding the significance of the current effort. The victims’ recognition as martyrs reinforces the Church’s enduring witness in the face of adversity.

Papal Support for the Cause

Pope Francis has been a vocal supporter of recognizing modern martyrs, as evidenced by his creation of the Witnesses of Faith list in 2023. His 2022 call for justice in Sri Lanka emphasized the need for accountability to heal the nation’s wounds. During a 2022 Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, he commemorated the victims, reinforcing the Church’s solidarity with Sri Lanka. His establishment of the Commission of the New Martyrs reflects a broader commitment to honoring those who die for their faith. The Pope’s support lends significant weight to the Archdiocese’s petition, signaling Vatican approval of the victims’ inclusion on the Witnesses of Faith list. His emphasis on martyrs as “witnesses of hope” aligns with the theological basis for the Sri Lankan victims’ cause. The Pope’s actions demonstrate the universal Church’s role in supporting local communities facing persecution. His involvement also highlights the global relevance of the Sri Lankan tragedy. The canonization initiative benefits from this papal endorsement, strengthening its prospects. The Pope’s leadership ensures that the victims’ sacrifice is recognized beyond Sri Lanka’s borders.

Challenges in the Canonization Process

The canonization process is complex and faces several challenges. Establishing martyrdom requires clear evidence that the victims died in odium fidei, which depends on the circumstances of the attacks. The large number of victims—167 Catholics—complicates the process, as each case must be examined individually. The diocesan phase will require extensive documentation, including witness testimonies and historical records. Political instability in Sri Lanka, coupled with ongoing investigations, may hinder access to relevant evidence. The Church must also navigate public perceptions, as some question whether all victims meet the strict criteria for martyrdom. For example, a 2019 tweet by Canon Lawyer Dr. Ed Peters cautioned against premature declarations of martyrdom, noting the need for prayers for those who died suddenly. The Dicastery’s rigorous standards ensure that only well-substantiated cases proceed. Despite these challenges, the Archdiocese’s thorough preparation, including the petition’s 50,000 signatures, strengthens the cause. The process will test the Church’s ability to balance spiritual goals with factual accuracy.

Community Impact

The canonization initiative has profoundly impacted Sri Lanka’s Catholic community, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Memorial vigils, such as the one at St. Anthony’s Church in 2025, have brought together diverse faith communities, reinforcing solidarity. The process has given families of the victims hope, affirming the significance of their loved ones’ deaths. It has also strengthened the Church’s role as a moral voice, advocating for both spiritual recognition and justice. The initiative encourages Catholics to reflect on their faith, particularly in the face of persecution. The victims’ recognition as Witnesses of Faith has inspired devotion, with some parishes holding special Masses in their honor. The process has also raised awareness of the Church’s teachings on martyrdom, educating the faithful about its theological importance. Community support, evidenced by the 50,000 signatures, demonstrates widespread commitment to the cause. The initiative has also drawn international attention, connecting Sri Lankan Catholics to the global Church. Overall, it has reinforced the community’s resilience and faith.

Global Significance

The Sri Lankan victims’ cause has implications for the universal Church, highlighting the reality of modern persecution. The Witnesses of Faith list places them alongside other 21st-century martyrs, such as those killed by ISIS in Libya. This global recognition underscores the Church’s solidarity with persecuted communities worldwide. The initiative also draws attention to the challenges faced by minority Christian populations in Asia. By honoring the victims, the Church reaffirms its commitment to defending religious freedom. The canonization process serves as a reminder of the cost of faith in regions where Christians face violence. It also encourages other dioceses to pursue recognition for modern martyrs, expanding the Church’s catalog of Witnesses of Faith. The Sri Lankan case may set a precedent for collective canonizations of large groups of martyrs. The global Church’s support, through Pope Francis and the Dicastery, enhances the cause’s visibility. The victims’ story inspires Catholics worldwide to stand firm in their faith.

Comparison with Historical Canonizations

The Sri Lankan initiative draws parallels with historical cases of collective martyrdom. The 22 Ugandan martyrs, killed in the late 19th century, were beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1964, demonstrating the Church’s precedent for recognizing groups of martyrs. Similarly, the 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs of Buganda were honored for their faith under persecution. The Sri Lankan victims’ case is unique due to its scale and modern context, but it aligns with these earlier examples. The Church’s criteria for martyrdom, established over centuries, remain consistent: death in odium fidei and a life of faith. The Sri Lankan victims’ deaths during Easter Mass mirror the early Christian martyrs’ sacrifices during worship. Historical canonizations, such as that of St. Thomas More, required extensive evidence, a standard the Sri Lankan cause must meet. The process reflects the Church’s careful balance of honoring martyrs while maintaining doctrinal rigor. The comparison highlights the continuity of the Church’s mission to recognize those who die for Christ. The Sri Lankan initiative contributes to this rich tradition.

Ongoing Investigations and Political Context

The canonization effort unfolds against a backdrop of unresolved investigations into the attacks. The Supreme Court’s ruling against former President Sirisena and the Channel 4 allegations of state involvement have fueled distrust in the government. Cardinal Ranjith’s calls for an international investigation reflect the Church’s commitment to truth. The new government, elected in 2024, has promised a thorough inquiry, raising hopes for accountability. The political context complicates the canonization process, as evidence of the attacks’ motives is critical to establishing martyrdom. The Church’s advocacy for justice complements its spiritual goals, linking the victims’ recognition to broader societal healing. The lack of convictions as of 2023 underscores the challenges of achieving closure. The Church’s persistence, led by Ranjith, keeps the issue in the public eye. The canonization initiative thus serves as both a spiritual and political statement, demanding recognition and accountability. The interplay of these factors highlights the complexity of the victims’ cause.

Spiritual Significance

The canonization initiative carries profound spiritual significance for Sri Lankan Catholics. Recognizing the victims as martyrs affirms their deaths as a participation in Christ’s sacrifice, as noted in Revelation 6:9-11, which speaks of martyrs beneath the altar. The process invites the faithful to reflect on the cost of discipleship, as Jesus taught in Luke 14:27. The victims’ sacrifice during Easter Mass, a celebration of Christ’s victory over death, underscores their union with Him. The initiative also fosters devotion, with the victims seen as intercessors for the community. Their recognition as Witnesses of Faith encourages Catholics to live with courage and conviction. The process strengthens the Church’s identity as a community of witnesses, as described in Hebrews 12:1. The spiritual impact extends beyond Sri Lanka, inspiring global Catholics to honor modern martyrs. The initiative reinforces the Church’s teaching that martyrdom is a path to holiness. It offers hope to a grieving community, affirming the eternal significance of the victims’ deaths.

Future Prospects

The canonization process is likely to span several years, given the complexity of evaluating 167 cases. The diocesan phase, if approved, will involve extensive documentation and review, potentially lasting a decade or more. The Vatican’s approval of the Witnesses of Faith list suggests a favorable outlook for the cause. However, challenges such as political instability and the need for precise evidence could delay progress. The Church’s commitment, backed by community support, strengthens the initiative’s prospects. The victims’ recognition as martyrs would mark a historic moment for Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, affirming its resilience. The process may also inspire similar efforts in other regions facing persecution. The global Church’s involvement ensures that the cause remains a priority. The victims’ legacy, whether through beatification or canonization, will endure as a testament to faith. The Archdiocese’s initiative is a bold step toward honoring their sacrifice.

Conclusion

The Archdiocese of Colombo’s initiative to canonize the 167 Catholic victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks is a profound act of faith and remembrance. It honors the victims’ sacrifice, recognizing their deaths as a testament to their devotion to Christ. Led by Cardinal Ranjith, the effort reflects the Church’s commitment to both spiritual recognition and justice. The inclusion of the victims on the Witnesses of Faith list marks a significant milestone, aligning them with other modern martyrs. The canonization process, while complex, offers hope to a grieving community and a model of courage for the global Church. It underscores the enduring power of faith in the face of persecution. The initiative also fosters interfaith solidarity, uniting diverse communities in shared grief and purpose. The victims’ legacy, preserved through this process, inspires Catholics to live with conviction. The pursuit of canonization and justice reflects the Church’s dual mission of spiritual and moral leadership. Ultimately, the initiative affirms the victims’ place in the communion of saints, offering a beacon of hope for Sri Lanka and beyond.