Approximately 4,000 individuals secured safety through the clandestine operations of Pierre Péteul, a Capuchin Franciscan friar known as Père Marie-Benoît. Born in Le Bourg-d'Iré in 1895, this French monk utilized his religious status and resistance connections to facilitate escapes during the occupation of his home country and subsequent operations in Italy.
Early Military Service and Education
Before his emergence as a rescue operative, Péteul served in North Africa and suffered combat wounds at Verdun. His wartime contributions earned him the Croix de Guerre and five separate citations. Following these experiences, he committed to the Franciscan Capuchin Order and completed a doctorate in theology in Rome.
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Stationed in Marseille in 1940, he established a headquarters at 51 Rue de la Croix de Régnier. He improvised printing facilities to produce forged baptismal certificates and passports. After the occupation of the Free Zone in 1942, he relocated to Nice, where he persuaded Italian commissioner Guido Lospinoso to protect the local Jewish population and coordinated with banker Angelo Donati.
Activities in Rome and DELASEM Leadership
In 1943, he traveled to Rome to request that Pope Pius XII assist in transferring refugees to North Africa. Though the Vatican meeting proved inconclusive regarding that specific plan, he remained in Italy, assuming the name Padre Benedetti. He served as president of the Jewish welfare organization DELASEM, operating out of the International College of the Capuchins until Gestapo raids forced him into hiding.
Recognition and Legacy
Following the liberation of Rome in June 1944, Rabbi Israel Zoller honored him during a ceremony at the local synagogue. Yad Vashem officially awarded him the title of Righteous Among the Nations on 1 December 1966. He remained in France until his death in Angers in 1990.
Fast facts
- Born: 1895, Le Bourg-d'Iré
- Died: 1990, Angers
- Original Name: Pierre Péteul
- Religious Order: Franciscan Capuchin
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (1966)
- Primary Occupations: Priest, monk, French resistance fighter
Questions readers ask
Why was he called the Father of the Jews?
He earned this epithet due to his extensive efforts to protect and save thousands of Jewish people from persecution.
What was his role in DELASEM?
He served as a board member and eventually became the president of this central Jewish welfare organization in Italy.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1966
- Worked as Catholic priest, French resistance fighter and monk
