During his most recent catechesis on Baptism, Pope Francis referenced the Japanese Catholics under persecution in the 17th Century. POPE FRANCIS "There were no priests left in Japan: they were all expelled. So then, the community went underground, keeping their faith and prayers hidden.†One of the Japanese Catholics that suffered most from outlawing Christianity was Ukon Takayama, the samurai of Christ. The Japanese Episcopal Conference has presented all the necessary documents to open the cause for his beatification. MSGR. JOSEPH MITSUAKI TAKAMI Bishop of Nagasaki (Japan) "He was a great witness to the Christian faith during this period...