Franz Jägerstätter (1907–1943) was an Austrian farmer and devout Catholic who became a martyr for his unwavering refusal to support the Nazi regime. Born in St. Radegund, Austria, he lived a simple life, working as a farmer and raising a family with his wife, Franziska. His deep faith led him to reject National Socialism, seeing it as incompatible with Christian values. Despite pressure from his community and local clergy, he stood firm in his beliefs, refusing to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler or serve in the German army.

In 1943, Jägerstätter was arrested and imprisoned for his conscientious objection. While some urged him to comply for the sake of his wife and children, he remained steadfast, believing that obeying God was more important than obeying an unjust government. He was sentenced to death and executed by guillotine on August 9, 1943, in Berlin. His sacrifice was largely forgotten for years but later gained recognition as a powerful witness of Christian conscience.

Franz Jägerstätter was declared a martyr and beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.