The Capuchin-Franciscan friary in Rome where the General Curia resides has been declared a “house of life,” in recognition of the help offered by the religious to the Jews during the persecution of the Second World War. Edward Eurnekian, representing the International Raoul Wallenberg foundation, presented the award to Capuchin General Minister, Mauro Jöhri. During the war, the French Capuchin priest, Pierre Péteul, more commonly known by his religious name of Marie Benôit, lived at the General Curia. He saved 4,000 Jews during the Nazi occupation of France and Italy, in large part by offering them false documents so that they could seek refuge in Switzerland, Spain.