14 Facts About Bernhard Lichtenberg

Bernhard Lichtenberg became a notable symbol of religious liberty for his public condemnation of the Nazi government's policies, including from the pulpit of St Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin.

Bernhard Lichtenberg was arrested and imprisoned for his activism and later died in Gestapo custody while being transported to Dachau concentration camp.

In 1996, Bernhard Lichtenberg was beatified by the Catholic Church for his steadfast faith and moral courage.

Bernhard Lichtenberg was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 2004 for his efforts to aid Jews during the Holocaust, making him one of the few individuals honored for moral resistance across both religious and cultural communities.

Bernhard Lichtenberg was born in Ohlau, Prussian Silesia, near Breslau, the second of five children.

Bernhard Lichtenberg studied in Breslau and was ordained in 1899.

Bernhard Lichtenberg began his ministry in Berlin in 1900, as the pastor of Charlottenburg.

Bernhard Lichtenberg protested in person to Nazi officials against the arrest and killing of the sick and mentally ill, as well as the persecution of the Jews.

Father Bernhard Lichtenberg was warned that he was in danger of being arrested for his activities, but he continued nonetheless.

In 1941, Bernhard Lichtenberg protested against the involuntary euthanasia programme by way of a letter to the chief physician of the Reich, Minister of Public Health Leonardo Conti :.

Bernhard Lichtenberg was arrested on 23 October 1941 and sentenced to two years in prison for violation of the Pulpit Law and the Treachery Act of 1934.

Bernhard Lichtenberg asked to accompany Jews to the East in order to provide comfort there.

Bernhard Lichtenberg fell ill and died of pneumonia in hospital in Hof, Bavaria.

Bernhard Lichtenberg's tomb is situated in the crypt of St Hedwig's Cathedral in Berlin.