The concept of a victim soul is an unofficial belief derived from interpretations of the Catholic Church teachings on redemptive suffering.
A person believes himself or is considered by others to be chosen by God to suffer more than most, accepting this condition based on the example of Christ's own Passion.
As it is not considered dogma, the Church classifies belief in victim souls as a matter of private revelation and thus not obligatory for members to subscribe to.
The issue came up when the family of Audrey Santo, an ailing child in a vegetative state, claimed that she had volunteered to be a victim soul.
[10] Journalist Peggy Noonan likened John Paul II to a "victim soul" as his health failed in his final years.