Pope Francis Canonizes New Group of Saints
The Canonization Ceremony
On Sunday, Pope Francis canonized 14 individuals, including the “martyrs of Damascus”, who were killed in Syria during the Ottoman Empire. These individuals are now symbols of Christian persecution and have been officially recognized as saints by the Catholic Church.
Thousands of Catholic faithful from around the world gathered in Saint Peter’s Square to witness the canonization ceremony presided over by Pope Francis. The Pope proclaimed, “We enrol them among the saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated as such by the whole Church,” after reciting each name.
Requirements for Canonization
To become a saint in the Catholic Church, an individual must go through the canonization process, which is the final step towards sainthood following beatification. Three conditions are required:
- Performing at least two miracles
- Being deceased for at least five years
- Having led an exemplary Christian life
The Martyrs of Damascus
Among the newly canonized saints are 11 individuals known as the “martyrs of Damascus”. These eight Franciscan friars and three lay Maronites, who were all siblings, were assassinated by Druze militants in July 1860 in the Syrian capital, then under Ottoman rule. They were previously beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1926.
Damascus, with one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, has seen its Christian population dwindle to only about two percent today. Many citizens, Christian and otherwise, have left the city since the start of Syria’s civil war in 2011.
Other Canonized Individuals
In addition to the martyrs of Damascus, three other individuals were also canonized. They are:
- Italian missionary Giuseppe Allamano
- Italian nun Elena Guerra
- Canadian Marie-Leonie Paradis
In May, Pope Francis announced the upcoming canonization of Italian teenager Carlos Acutis, known as “God’s Influencer”, for his efforts in spreading his faith online before his passing in 2006. The date for his canonization has not yet been set, but it could potentially take place in 2025 during the Church’s Jubilee year.
Impact and Significance
The canonization of these individuals highlights the enduring legacy of faith and sacrifice in the face of persecution. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding Christian values and traditions, especially in regions where religious minorities face challenges.
By recognizing these saints, the Catholic Church aims to inspire believers worldwide to emulate their virtues and dedication to the faith. Their stories resonate with the struggles of modern-day Christians in the Middle East and beyond, providing a source of strength and hope in difficult times.