Pope Leo XIV is set to canonize seven saints on October 19, 2025, a decision confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The canonizations will include two Venezuelans, José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros and María del Carmen Rendiles Martínez. Additionally, the Pope has scheduled a joint canonization for Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025. The upcoming canonizations also feature Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan and Peter To Rot, among others.
10 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has announced the canonization of nine blesseds, marking a significant start to his papacy 3. The canonizations will occur in two separate ceremonies: Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis will be canonized on September 7, 2025, while seven others will be canonized on October 19, 2025 1 3. These events are expected to draw large crowds to Rome, especially within the context of the 2025 Jubilee Year 3.
The joint canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis on September 7 is particularly noteworthy 3. Acutis, a tech-savvy teenager who documented Eucharistic miracles online, and Frassati, known for his faith and social activism, are seen as relatable figures for young Catholics 3. Their canonization, initially planned separately, was unified after the passing of Pope Francis 3.
On October 19, Pope Leo XIV will canonize seven more blesseds, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences 1 3. These include Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, an Armenian bishop martyred during the Armenian genocide; Peter To Rot, a lay catechist martyred in Papua New Guinea; Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; María del Carmen Rendiles Martínez, founder of the Servants of Jesus in Venezuela; Maria Troncatti, a Salesian missionary in Ecuador; José Gregorio Hernández, a Venezuelan doctor known as "the doctor of the poor"; and Bartolo Longo, founder of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii 1 3. The canonization of Peter To Rot marks a historic first for Papua New Guinea 3.
These canonizations, early in Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, highlight the importance of recognizing holiness in diverse forms 3. By elevating these nine individuals to sainthood, Pope Leo XIV is reaffirming that the call to holiness is universal and accessible to all 3. The selection of these particular blesseds also subtly points toward his own priorities for the Church 3.
What is the Catholic Church's understanding of sainthood?
The Catholic Church views saints as individuals who, through a profound connection with Christ, have attained holiness . These men and women, in various times and places, exemplify the virtues of the Gospel and serve as models for the faithful . The Church does not consider saints as divine figures but as friends and servants of God worthy of veneration due to their holy lives .
Here's a breakdown of the Catholic Church's understanding of sainthood:
In summary, the Catholic Church understands saints as individuals who lived lives of heroic virtue and love, offering inspiration and intercession to the faithful. The process of canonization is a careful examination of a person's life and virtues, leading to their recognition as a saint and a model for others to follow.