List of names of Christian martyrs of 21st century

Here are some notable Christian martyrs from the 21st century:

1. St. Shahbaz Bhatti (1968–2011) – Pakistan

• Catholic politician and advocate for minority rights.
• Assassinated for opposing Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
• Considered a martyr for the faith.

2. The 21 Coptic Martyrs (2015) – Libya

• Egyptian Coptic Christians kidnapped and beheaded by ISIS.
• Died proclaiming Jesus’ name.
• Canonized as martyrs by the Coptic Orthodox Church.

3. Fr. Jacques Hamel (1930–2016) – France

• French Catholic priest murdered by Islamist extremists while celebrating Mass.
• Declared a martyr by the Vatican.

4. Sr. Cecilia Moshi (1973–2016) – South Sudan

• Catholic nun killed in an ambush while providing humanitarian aid.

5. The Martyrs of Iraq and Syria (2003–present)

• Thousands of Christians, including Fr. Ragheed Ganni (1972–2007), killed by extremists.
• Many Christian villages wiped out during the rise of ISIS.

6. Asia Bibi (Not Martyred, but Persecuted) – Pakistan

• Imprisoned for nearly a decade under blasphemy charges.
• Spared execution but lived under constant threat.

7. The Martyrs of Nigeria (2000s–present)

• Many Christians killed by Boko Haram and Fulani extremists.
• Included seminarian Michael Nnadi (2000–2020), executed for refusing to renounce Christ.

8. The Martyrs of China (2000s–present)

• Underground Catholic and Protestant Christians persecuted by the Chinese government.
• Included Bishop James Su Zhimin, imprisoned for decades.

9. The Martyrs of North Korea (2000s–present)

• Countless underground Christians executed or sent to labor camps.

10. The Martyrs of India (2008 Kandhamal Massacre, Orissa, India)

• Hundreds of Christians killed by Hindu extremists.
• Many churches and homes burned down.

11. Father Jacques Hamel: French Catholic priest murdered in 2016 by ISIS militants while celebrating Mass ¹².

12. Coptic Martyrs of Libya: A group of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians beheaded by ISIS in 2015 ¹².

13. Rani Maria Vattalil: Indian nun murdered in 1995 (though her martyrdom extended into the 21st century) for her work among the poor ¹².

14. Kosheh Martyrs: Group of Coptic Christians killed in Egypt between 1998 and 2000 for their faith ¹².

15. Nag Hammadi Martyrs: Group of Coptic Christians murdered in 2010 in Egypt during a Christmas Eve attack ¹².

16. Martin Burnham: American missionary martyred in 2002 by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines ¹².

17. Matthew Ayariga: Ghanaian Christian martyred in 2015 for refusing to denounce his faith during the kidnapping of Copts in Libya ¹².

18. Son Jong-nam: North Korean Christian martyred in 2009 for his faith in a country known for severe religious persecution ¹².

19. Gayle Williams: British aid worker murdered in 2008 in Afghanistan for her Christian faith and humanitarian work ¹².

20. Kim Sun-il: South Korean Christian martyred in 2004 by militants in Iraq for his faith and missionary work ¹².

21. Ghorban Tourani: Iranian Christian martyred in 2005 for converting from Islam to Christianity ¹².

22. Shahbaz Bhatti: Pakistani politician assassinated in 2011 for advocating for religious freedom and the rights of Christians ¹².

23. Akash Bashir: Pakistani Christian volunteer martyred in 2015 while preventing a suicide bomber from attacking a church ¹².

24. Margaret Hassan: British aid worker murdered in 2004 in Iraq, though her religious affiliation was debated, she worked for Christian causes.

The 21st century continues to see Christian persecution in Pakistan, Nigeria, North Korea, China, India, and the Middle East.  These individuals and groups were recognized for their faith and sacrifices during the 21st century, often in the context of global terrorism, religious persecution, or political conflict.