VATICAN (SE): At his general audience on July 17, Pope Francis remarked that it was the Day of Concscience. He called for “freedom of conscience always and everywhere be respected,” Vatican News reported.
Portuguese diplomat, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who, 80 years ago during the Second World War, disregarded direct orders from his government and issued visas to all refugees regardless of nationality, race, religion, or political opinions, inspired the observance.
He actions saved the lives of thousands of Jews and many others who were being persecuted.
This led to his ostracisation and he was unable to continue his job as a diplomat and was forbidden from earning a living in order to support his family. His children, too, were prevented from finding gainful employment, according to Vatican News.
He spent the rest of his life trying to clear his name but was ignored by the Portuguese political regime at the time. He died in poverty on 3 April 1954 at the Franciscan Hospital in Lisbon.
However, even at the end of his life he knew his actions had been justified in saving thousands of innocent lives. As he said himself, “I could not have acted otherwise and I, therefore, accept all that has befallen me with love.”
In his words on July 17, Pope Francis said, “May every Christian give an example of the consistency of an upright conscience enlightened by the Word of God.”
