Pope Francis Approves Decrees for Causes of Saints
Exciting news from the Vatican as Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation of various decrees for the Causes of Saints, moving forward the causes of canonization for some remarkable individuals.
In a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs, Pope Francis has given the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints the green light to advance the causes of those on the path to sainthood.
The Holy Father acknowledged the heroic sacrifices made by individuals like Fr Emil Joseph Kapaun, a US military chaplain known for his service during World War II and the Korean War, and Bartolo Longo, an Italian layman famously known as the “Apostle of the Rosary,” among others.
One of the significant developments is the recognition of the “offering of life” of certain individuals, a distinct cause for beatification and canonization introduced by Pope Francis in 2017. This category recognizes those who have willingly sacrificed their lives for others, following the teachings of Jesus closely and persevering in their sacrifice until death.
With these decrees, the Servants of God are now declared Venerable, with Beatification being the next step in the canonization process, requiring a confirmed miracle.
Notable Figures Recognized
Fr Emil Kapaun, a chaplain who served in World War II and the Korean War, and Salvo D’Acquisto, an Italian layman who served during the Second World War, were both acknowledged for their heroic sacrifices and commitment to others.
Heroic Virtues Acknowledged
In addition, the Pope recognized the heroic virtues of three Servants of God:
- Michele Maura Montaner, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregación de las Hermanas Celadoras del Culto Eucarístico
- Didaco Bessi, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Rosary
- Cunegonda Siwiec, a lay faithful
Canonization of Blesseds
Furthermore, Pope Francis approved the canonization of two Blesseds:
- Blessed Giuseppe Gregorio Hernández Cisneros
- Blessed Bartolo Longo
Blessed Bartolo Longo, a former lawyer who converted to Catholicism, played a significant role in establishing the Shrine of the Holy Rosary at Pompeii.
The Pope has also announced plans to convene a Consistory to discuss the upcoming canonizations, a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church.
