Saints Canonized By Pope Francis: A Complete List

Hey guys! Ever wondered who Pope Francis has declared a saint? Well, you're in the right spot! This article dives into the complete list of saints canonized by Pope Francis, offering a glimpse into their lives and contributions to the Catholic Church. Get ready for an inspiring journey through faith and devotion!

Understanding Canonization

Before we dive into the list, let's quickly understand what canonization actually means. Canonization is the process by which the Catholic Church declares that a deceased person is a saint. This means the Church believes that the person lived a life of heroic virtue, is in Heaven, and can be publicly venerated. It's a pretty big deal!

The process involves a thorough investigation of the person's life, writings, and reputation for holiness. Miracles attributed to the person's intercession are often required as proof of their closeness to God. Once canonized, a saint becomes a role model for Catholics and is included in the Church's liturgical calendar.

Why is Canonization Important?

Canonization isn't just a formality; it serves several important purposes. First, it recognizes and celebrates individuals who have lived exemplary lives of faith, hope, and charity. These saints provide inspiration and guidance for believers striving to live more Christ-like lives. By studying the lives of the saints, we can learn practical ways to apply Gospel values in our own daily experiences. Saints come from all walks of life, showcasing the universal call to holiness. Some were priests and nuns, others were parents and workers, and some were even kings and queens. Regardless of their background, they all shared a common commitment to loving God and serving others.

Secondly, canonization affirms the Church's belief in the communion of saints, the spiritual solidarity that unites all believers, living and deceased, in Christ. When the Church canonizes someone, it is saying, "This person is now in heaven and can intercede for us." Catholics often pray to saints, asking for their prayers and assistance in times of need. This practice is based on the belief that the saints are powerful advocates before God.

Finally, the process of canonization can also promote healing and reconciliation. In some cases, the lives of the saints can shed light on past injustices and inspire efforts to build a more just and compassionate world. For example, the canonization of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave, has raised awareness of the ongoing problem of human trafficking and inspired efforts to combat it. The canonization process also invites us to reflect on our own lives and to ask ourselves how we can better live out our baptismal calling to holiness. It is a reminder that we are all called to be saints, to live lives of love, service, and devotion to God.

List of Saints Canonized by Pope Francis

Alright, let's get to the main event! Here's a list of saints canonized by Pope Francis, along with a little snippet about each of them:

2013

• Laura Montoya Upegui: A Colombian religious sister who dedicated her life to serving the indigenous people of Colombia. She founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate and St. Catherine of Siena. Her work was groundbreaking in its efforts to promote the dignity and rights of indigenous communities.
• Maria Guadalupe García Zavala: The co-founder of the Handmaids of Saint Margaret and the Poor, she served the sick and poor in Mexico, especially during the Cristero War. Her selfless dedication to the marginalized is a testament to her deep faith and compassion. She provided care and comfort to those who were suffering, regardless of their background or beliefs.
• Anthony Primaldo and Companions: These 800 martyrs were killed in 1480 by Ottoman Turks for refusing to convert to Islam. Their courage and unwavering faith in the face of death is an inspiring example of Christian witness. Their story reminds us of the importance of religious freedom and the cost of discipleship.

2014

• Angelo d'Acri: An Italian Capuchin priest known for his eloquent preaching and dedication to the poor. He traveled extensively throughout Southern Italy, spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of the people. He was a popular confessor and spiritual director, known for his wisdom and compassion.
• Giovanni Antonio Farina: An Italian bishop who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts. He was a tireless advocate for the education of girls, especially those from poor families. He believed that education was essential for the empowerment of women and the betterment of society.
• Kuriakose Elias Chavara: An Indian Catholic priest and social reformer who co-founded the first congregation for men in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. He was a pioneer in the field of education, establishing schools and printing presses to promote literacy and knowledge. He also worked to reform the caste system and promote social justice.
• Eufrasia Eluvathingal: An Indian Carmelite nun who dedicated her life to prayer and contemplation. She was known for her humility and her deep love for God. She spent many hours in prayer, interceding for the needs of others. Her life is an example of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will in all things.
• Ludovico da Casoria: An Italian Franciscan friar who founded the Congregation of the Grey Friars of Charity. He was a tireless worker for the poor and the sick, establishing hospitals, orphanages, and other charitable institutions. He was a man of great compassion and generosity, always ready to help those in need.

2015

• Jeanne Emilie de Villeneuve: A French nun who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Castres. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and the marginalized, especially women and children. She established schools, hospitals, and other charitable institutions to meet their needs. Her life is an example of selfless service and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
• Marie Alphonsa Muttathupadathu: The first woman of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She was a member of the Congregation of the Franciscan Clarist Sisters and dedicated her life to prayer and teaching. She suffered from a long illness but bore it with patience and resignation. Her life is an example of faith, perseverance, and love for God.
• Junípero Serra: A Spanish Franciscan friar who founded the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California. His work played a significant role in the evangelization of the Native Americans in California. However, his legacy has been controversial due to the impact of the mission system on the indigenous population.

2016

• Mother Teresa of Calcutta: An Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, an international religious congregation that serves the poorest of the poor. Her tireless work among the sick, the dying, and the marginalized made her a global icon of compassion and love.

2017

• Cristoforo, Antonio e Giovanni, Child Martyrs of Tlaxcala: These three indigenous Mexican children were martyred for their faith in the 16th century. They are considered the protomartyrs of the Americas. Their courage and unwavering faith in the face of persecution is an inspiring example of Christian witness. They are symbols of the early evangelization of the Americas.
• Angelo d’Acri: An Italian Capuchin priest known for his eloquent preaching and dedication to the poor. He was a popular confessor and spiritual director, known for his wisdom and compassion.

2018

• Paul VI: Pope from 1963 to 1978, he guided the Church through the turbulent years following the Second Vatican Council. **He is known for his encyclical Humanae Vitae, which reaffirmed the Church's teaching on contraception. He was a man of great intellect and vision, committed to the renewal of the Church and the promotion of peace and justice in the world.
• Óscar Romero: Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, who was assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass. He was a vocal critic of social injustice and violence in his country. He is considered a martyr for the faith and a champion of the poor. His life and death have inspired people around the world to work for peace, justice, and human rights.

2019

• John Henry Newman: An English cardinal and theologian who converted to Catholicism from Anglicanism. He was a leading figure in the Oxford Movement and a prolific writer on religious and philosophical topics. He is considered one of the most important Catholic thinkers of the 19th century. His writings continue to inspire and challenge readers today.
• Giuseppina Vannini: An Italian nun who founded the Daughters of Saint Camillus, a religious congregation dedicated to caring for the sick. She was a woman of great compassion and dedication, and she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the sick and the poor. Her legacy continues to inspire healthcare professionals today.
• Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan: An Indian nun who founded the Congregation of the Holy Family. She was a social reformer, a visionary, and a champion of the poor and marginalized. Her legacy continues to inspire social workers, educators, and community leaders today.

2020

• There were no canonizations in 2020.

2024

• Manuel Ruiz and Companions: A group of eight martyred Spanish Franciscan friars killed in Damascus, Syria in 1860.
• Artemide Zatti: An Italian immigrant to Argentina, and a Salesian Cooperator, who was a dedicated pharmacist and spent his entire life serving the sick.

The Significance of Pope Francis' Canonizations

Pope Francis' canonizations reflect his emphasis on the poor, the marginalized, and the importance of bearing witness to the Gospel in everyday life. He has canonized saints from diverse backgrounds and cultures, highlighting the universality of the call to holiness. His choices often reflect his pastoral priorities and his desire to inspire Catholics to live out their faith in concrete ways.

By canonizing these individuals, Pope Francis is holding them up as examples for us to follow. He is saying, "These people lived lives of extraordinary virtue and are now in heaven. We can learn from their example and strive to live more like them." It is important to remember that the saints were not perfect people. They faced challenges, made mistakes, and struggled with their own weaknesses. But they persevered in their faith and never gave up on God. Their lives are a testament to the power of God's grace and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive list of saints canonized by Pope Francis! Each of these individuals offers a unique and inspiring story of faith, service, and love. Take some time to learn more about them and see how their lives can inspire your own journey of faith. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be on this list too! Keep the faith, guys!