Beatification in 2005
Pope Benedict XVI beatified Clemens August Graf von Galen on October 9, 2005. One of the reasons was von Galen’s extraordinary dedication during the Nazi era, most notably his courageous sermons, which easily could have landed him in prison. This was also pointed out in Pope Benedict’s speech in which he portrayed Galen as a role model for all Christians and underscored his courage to act.