Pope Benedict XVI approved the martyrdom of an Austrian who was beheaded by the Nazis for refusing to serve Hitler’s army. Franz Jaegerstaetter requested to be excused from the regular army service , but was denied and was ordered executed for treason. He was the only person who voted against the creation of a “Greater Germany” after Austria was annexed in 1938. Franz was beheaded in 1943. The Pope also approved the martyrdom of 188 Japanese who died for refusing to renounce their faith.  A miracle attributed to Antonio Rosmini, an Italian philosopher who died in 1855 was also approved by the Pope and who writings were once condemned by the Roman Catholic Church. Being declared a martyr means the men died for the Church and eliminates the requirement of a miracle to be beatified. However, after beatification, martyrs need a miracle confirmed before being elevated to sainthood. The process of beatification and canonization usually takes decades or sometimes lasts for centuries.