Pope Francis Approves 15 New Saints at a Historic Canonization Consistory

Rome, July 1, 2024: Pope Francis presided over an Ordinary Consistory of Cardinals on Monday morning at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, where they approved the canonization of 15 people, including Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be made a saint. 

Cardinal Marcelo Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints, presented a detailed report known as the Peroratio, highlighting the lives and miracles of the 15 people considered for sainthood. Following the presentation, the Consistory voted and approved their canonization.

The largest group of new saints were the "Martyrs of Damascus," who were martyred in Syria in 1860. This group includes Fr. Manuel Ruiz López, OFM, his seven companions and the brothers Abdel Moati, Francis, and Raphael Massabki. These were killed during the 1860 Syrian Civil War as they prayed inside the Franciscan church in Damascus.

Additionally, the Consistory approved the canonization of two Italians: Fr. Giuseppe Allamano, founder of the Consolata Missionaries and Sr. Elena Guerra, founder of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit. A Canadian born religious, Sr. Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, was also approved for sainthood. The canonizations of these 14 people will be officially inscribed in the List of Saints on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

In a significant moment, Pope Francis and the Cardinals also approved the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, marking the first millennial saint. His canonization is expected to take place during the 2025 Jubilee.

This historic Consistory reflects the diverse and enduring legacy of faith, from 19th century martyrs to a modern young digital evangelist, exemplifying the universal and timeless nature of sainthood in the Catholic Church.

Courtesy: Vatican News