Franz Jägerstätter

About Franz Jägerstätter

Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian farmer who refused to fight for Nazi Germany and was executed. A simple farmer and father, Franz opposed Nazism from conscience. When drafted, he refused military service, believing it sinful to fight for Hitler. Despite pleas from family, priests, and bishops to compromise, Franz remained firm. He was imprisoned, tried, and beheaded in Berlin on August 9, 1943. His refusal was considered foolishness by contemporaries but is now seen as prophetic witness. Beatified 2007, he represents the Catholic who obeys conscience over state.