Blessed Karl of Austria: Difference between revisions

'''Blessed Karl of Austria''' (German: '''Karl von Österreich'''; Hungarian: '''I. Károly'''; 17 August 1887 – 1 April 1922), born '''Karl Franz Joseph Ludwig Hubert Georg Otto Maria''', was the last Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1916 until its dissolution in 1918.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20041003_beatification-karl.html |title=Beatification of Emperor Karl of Austria |publisher=Holy See |access-date=2025-12-27}}</ref> According to verified historical records from imperial archives and Vatican documents, Karl was born at Persenbeug Castle in Lower Austria to Archduke Otto Franz and Princess Maria Josepha of Saxony, ascending unexpectedly after the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-I-emperor-of-Austria |title=Charles (I) |publisher=Britannica |access-date=2025-12-27}}</ref> Crowned in Budapest in 1916, he pursued peace initiatives during World War I, supporting Pope Benedict XV's efforts, while implementing social reforms and protecting Jewish communities.

Exiled to Madeira after failed restoration attempts, Karl died in poverty on 1 April 1922, offering his sufferings for his peoples' peace. Beatified on 3 October 2004 by Pope John Paul II after authenticated miracles—including the 1960 healing of Brazilian nun Sister Maria Zita Gradowska from severe varicose ulcers—his cause emphasized heroic virtue in governance and family life.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20041003_beatification-karl.html |title=Beatification Homily |publisher=Holy See |access-date=2025-12-27}}</ref> His feast day, 21 October (wedding anniversary), highlights consecrated matrimony. While hagiographic traditions describe battlefield protections and prophetic insights—these derive from devotional testimonies without independent verification—his documented legacy includes opposition to poison gas and promotion of federalism. As of 2025, his cause awaits a second miracle for canonization.

Blessed Karl of Austria is venerated on 21 October with Masses for peace. Tomb at Nossa Senhora do Monte, Madeira; heart at Muri Abbey, Switzerland.