Global Awareness, Local Impact

Megan Cottam reviews The Martyrs of the New Millennium by Robert Royal, noting what parishes and families can learn from this book.

The Martyrs of the New Millennium

By Robert Royal

Published by Sophia Institute Press

The Martyrs of the New Millennium: The Global Persecution of Christians in the Twenty-First Century by Robert Royal is a thorough and sobering report of the increasingly tense landscape of Christianity across the globe. Continent by continent, Royal does a phenomenal job of presenting the history, cultural clashes, and political events that shifted religious realities in each region of our world. There is both a shocking and persistent persecution that remains in the twenty-first century, and Royal’s extensive research helps paint a complete picture of the issues. Royal crafts a data-driven narrative that remains a fluent and easy read. 

Defining Martyrs 

Royal first lays out the church teachings on martyrs themselves and how this has evolved over time. No longer does the word “martyr” mean those receiving the death penalty explicitly for their faith. The images of the apostles or early saints as classic martyrs is only a portion of the fullness of the meaning. Saint John Paul II spoke of “nuovi martiri” or “new martyrs,” which expanded the concept to all those Christians whose witness to the faith put them in positions where they ultimately gave their lives. Whether political violence, kidnappings, or another atrocity ultimately led to their death, these new martyrs lived out their faith in such environments where death was always lurking in the shadows.

This broader definition of the term allows Royal to walk the reader through the expanse of fear and hatred erupting across the globe in response to Christianity. Despite the gravity of these stories, an incredible hope remains in the courage of those witnessing to the faith in the 21st century. Royal balances urgency for action with the eternal hope found in the strength that Christ provides us all. Despite the grim topic, it is impossible to walk away from this book without being called to a deeper courage in our witness to Christ in the public sphere. 

Embracing our Pew Neighbors 

This is not simply a book to make us grateful for our own safety or raise awareness for a charity cause. Rather, it is essential reading for the North American Church, as we embrace both missionary priests from these regions as well as increasingly multi-cultural parishioners. The Martyrs of the New Millenium allows us, American parishes who seek to be welcoming, to gain insight into the trauma and experience of church that our fellow worshippers have experienced, and how that may impact their view of community and church here in the United States today. I particularly found the sections on Latin America and Africa helpful in understanding the booming growth of the Spanish and French-speaking Church in my own diocese in Virginia today, providing insight into ways I might approach those growing relationships. 

Global Action 

I recommend reading The Martyrs of the New Millenium slowly, holding a prayerful awareness of one region at a time. While this is certainly an adult read, I encourage you to involve your children in the conversation about the global church. They can certainly pray with you for these groups in conflict, visualize areas of the world on a map, or seek out a regional charity in support of Christians missions abroad.

This book becomes a global retreat, walking in solidarity with the most vulnerable Christians throughout the world today. Order your copy soon, and your walk can lead you toward a deeper appreciation of World Mission Sunday, taking place this year on October 19, 2025. 

Ask for The Martyrs of the New Millenium at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Sophia Institute Press.

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Copyright 2025 Megan Cottam
Images: Canva