German Catholic Youth think themselves better than their patron saint, Thomas More

Is Thomas More still a suitable patron saint? The Catholic Youth Association (KjG) initiated a process two years ago to clarify this question. Now the association has reached a decision.

The Catholic Youth Association (KjG) intends to retain Thomas More as its patron saint, but will continue to critically examine his person and the history of his reception. The KjG passed a corresponding resolution at its national conference, the association announced on Sunday. Thomas More remains significant for many members of the KjG in terms of the association's identity and spirituality, but too little attention has been paid to problematic aspects of his biography. "The goal is a reflective and contemporary approach," the statement reads.

The KjG will therefore continue to emphasize More's integrity, humanistic ideals, humor, and his work "Utopia." At the same time, "aspects of his life that require critical examination" will also be highlighted. Among these, the association cites More's "polemical stance towards reformist efforts, the persecution of so-called heretics, including executions during his reign, and his adherence to church structures in need of reform."

Further opportunities for engagement

The Catholic Youth Association (KjG) initiated a process of internal re-evaluation of Thomas More two years ago. "In the process of engaging with him so far, the difficulties of a contemporary approach to saints and patronages have become clear," the association emphasizes. Opportunities will continue to be created for members to explore Thomas More as the association's patron saint and to develop their own perspective on this historical figure. The KjG announced plans to publicize the results of this process, for example, through a social media campaign.

Thomas More (1478–1535) was Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII of England. Because he refused to swear the required oath of royal supremacy over the Church and thus support Henry VIII's break with the Pope, he was executed in 1535. More is also known as a spiritual and humanist author. In his most famous work, "Utopia," he depicted an ideal society. His canonization in 1935 was interpreted by observers as a signal from the Church against the claims to power of totalitarian states. In 2000, Pope John Paul II declared him the patron saint of rulers and politicians.

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